#'Hmmm' Jim says thoughtfully

[radarsteddybear]

-Artie reads them voraciously as they are published, picking apart faulty logic and deductions that simply wouldn’t work in the real world.

-Jim doesn’t understand why he keeps reading them.

-Artie gets really excited about the more clever bits though.

-Jim picks up one of the books that Artie left lying around the train one day when Artie is out. He recognizes one of Artie’s disguises as coming straight out of its pages.

However, if he were to ever meet the famed detective in person, they would take turns delighting each other with their various disguises and detective work.

Artemus Gordon would have a love/hate relationship with the Sherlock Holmes books but he and Holmes would absolutely be besties

[juju-on-that-yeet]

Afterwards

Whumptober Day 24: You're Not Making Any Sense (Yeah, I know I’m months behind on Whumptober, I’m still gonna finish it out and you can’t stop me >:c ) Prompt: Forced Mutism

Eric tries to get over what happened at the club with Tessa. But that's easier said than done, especially when a new trigger makes itself known. (continued from “Behind Closed Doors”)

Warnings: Panic attack, flashback, referenced sexual assault

Read on AO3 (Full Whumptober Series)

Enjoy!

~

The immediate aftermath of what happened at the club is fuzzy for Eric. It took until late morning the next day for the drug to wear off. He felt foggy for the rest of the day, even after Dr. Iplier released him from the clinic a few hours after he woke up.

“Hey, Eric,” Dr. Iplier had told him as he left, “If you ever need to talk about what happened, you can always come back.”

He’d said it quietly and gently, with a look on his face like he hoped that Eric would.

And maybe he will.

But not yet.

As far as Eric knows, precious few people know what happened that night. Most of the egos know the basics; that he had to spend the night in the clinic after going to a club with the Jims, and that whatever happened was very serious. But the Jims, Bim, Wilford, and Dr. Iplier are the only ones who know the full story. Not even Ed knows, which Eric feels a little bad about, what with how close they’ve gotten. But Eric isn’t about to tell him. It’s hard enough to bear the sad looks and sidelong, cautious glances of the five people who know, even if he knows they come from a caring place. Bim is fretful and awkward as he always is in a crisis, Wilford tries to address it but always fails. The Jims have become Eric’s twin shadows, attuned to his every move. Dr. Iplier exerts a gentle-but-present pressure on Eric to start actively processing his trauma, something Eric doesn’t think he’s ready for yet.

He thinks about what happened. A lot. Not even necessarily to imagine how it could’ve gone differently, what he could’ve done to prevent it – though he thinks about that sometimes, too. But usually it’s just a replay in his mind whenever there’s nothing else to focus on. He catches himself staring mindlessly into the mirror while he brushes his teeth or into his food while he’s eating. The whole scene, Tessa and everything she did, plays out over and over.

It could’ve been worse, Eric supposes. She could’ve raped him.

Even thinking that word makes him sick.

Despite this new layer of trauma on top of Eric’s other, older traumas, he starts to feel a little more like himself day by day. He’s still able to laugh, to smile, to find joy in his hobbies, his friends, and other things that distract him. He’s familiar, at least, with this stage of trauma; the long stretches of numbness broken up by genuine good moments. Someday the good moments will outweigh the bad again, Eric just has to get there.

But a couple weeks after the night at the club, Eric’s recovery snags.

He’s in a common area with the Jims and the younger Googles, all of them taking turns playing a video game together. Eric isn’t very good, and neither are the Jims, but everyone is laughing – except Chrome, though he does smirk every so often. They’re all having fun, including Eric. As RJ and Oliver are competing in a 1v1, someone else enters the room. Everyone looks towards the door to see Yandere, grinning a little as he watches everyone play.

“Hey,” he says, “Can I join in?”

Eric still finds Yandere a little scary, and so do the Jims, but he’s learned by now that Yandere is harmless to the other egos unless someone gives him a reason not to be. Truthfully, Yandere can be a lot of fun to hang out with at times. It helps that Chrome is already in the room for Yandere to flounce over to and playfully wrap his arms around. Yandere looks the same as ever, with one difference: He’s wearing dark lipstick, a deep, vampiric red, darker than his hair.

Eric immediately knows he doesn’t like it. Not that it looks bad or weird, but it suddenly puts Eric on edge in a way he can’t pinpoint. Especially when Yandere smiles mischievously at Chrome as Chrome takes in his appearance.

“That’s interesting,” he says neutrally.

“What, that’s all?” Yandere scolds playfully, smacking Chrome on the arm. The force of it probably would’ve hurt anyone else, but Chrome doesn’t even flinch. Though he does smirk a little.

“It’s a look!” Oliver says, looking away from the screen for a moment to give a thumbs-up.

“At least one of you is nice,” Yandere laughs. “How are we taking turns here? When can I play?”

“I was going next,” CJ says, “But you can go instead, since I’d be playing with Red Jim.”

Eric is only half-listening (and half-watching, in CJ’s case) to the conversation. He’s focused intently on Yandere’s lips, on how they look as they move, the strangely familiar way they smile and open to laugh. The laugh becomes a little awkward, and suddenly, Yandere is looking back at Eric.

“Uh, you good there?” Yandere asks, “Is my lipstick that interesting?” Chrome looks at Eric curiously, as do Plus and CJ. Eric’s cheeks turn red and he rushes to explain himself.

“I-I’m sorry! S-Sorry, I mean, I’m,” Eric stammers, “I j-just, I don’t r-really see, um, guys wearing l-lipstick very much. But it’s n-not bad! It looks, um, it’s good, but not l-like, oh geez–”

It’s not a lie, but it’s not the whole truth. Eric doesn’t care at all that Yandere is a guy in lipstick. But he can’t find a way to explain how strange the dark color on Yandere’s lips makes him feel.

“It’s alright, Eric-kun, I get it,” Yandere giggles, no longer awkward. He pauses thoughtfully. “Yeah, you’ve never seen me in lipstick before, huh? I don’t wear it a lot, but makeup’s fun!” His eyes light up. “You’d look cute in makeup too, I bet!”

“O-Oh, um, I don’t know if I…” Eric trails off, uncomfortable. He immediately understands that he doesn’t want that at all, the same way he immediately knew that he hated the lipstick. Fortunately, Yandere only shrugs, taking no offense.

“Well, if you ever want to try it, I can help!” Yandere says brightly, “Aka-kun won’t let me do anything but paint his nails, and he only lets me use the same red as his shirt.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” Chrome asks, “Any other color would clash.”

“No way!” Yandere exclaims, “I bet plenty of colors would look good, maybe even a different red!” His eyes glint with mischief, and he grins. “Maybe even something like the color I’m wearing. Hmmm…”

“Yandere–” Chrome begins, intuiting Yandere’s intentions.

He’s not fast enough to stop Yandere from leaning in and kissing Chrome’s cheek. Plus and Oliver laugh, and the Jims laugh too as Chrome sputters indignantly. Yandere pulls away, leaving a dark red stain on Chrome’s cheek.

“I was right, that color looks great on you~!” Yandere laughs.

“Gross,” Chrome mutters, wiping at the stain with the heel of his palm. The stain is stubborn, though, and stays well put.

Eric is staring. He can’t stop looking. His breathing is faster. The dark stain is sending him somewhere else, two weeks ago, at night in the bathroom of a club, a woman straddling his lap, dark lips coming towards his face, leaving stains all over him, drawing back to moan or giggle before coming close again and again –

Eric can’t even excuse himself, can’t make up a reason for leaving before he’s already gone, out of the room, away. He has to get away. If someone calls after him, Eric doesn’t hear them. He can’t hear over the blood rushing in his ears, over the club music pounding. He makes it to his room somehow, he doesn’t shut the door because he can’t be locked in again. He sits on his bed, curled up, because if he curls up no one can sit on his lap. He starts crying, shivering, he can feel Tessa’s mouth on him and it won’t stop –

Someone comes in cautiously, Eric hears his door creak open a little wider. Eric looks up to see CJ, looking at him with wide, worried eyes. There’s a long pause, during which Eric tries to come up with an excuse, even though he knows CJ wouldn’t be fooled. The silence stretches, and CJ eventually steps into Eric’s room, closing the door behind him. Eric realizes he wants the door open, just a little, that having it closed all the way is too much right now. It reminds him of that closed bathroom door, of being trapped and stuck. He opens his mouth to say as much, but nothing comes out. He can’t talk at all. His heart is too loud, his mind is too dizzy.

CJ comes to Eric, sitting on the other end of Eric’s bed, a few feet away. It’s close like Tessa was, but it also reminds Eric of when he was found, when CJ ran in and blew his whistle and rescued him. He feels like he’s there now, like his soft bed is the hard toilet seat, like the soft sunlight through the window is the fluorescent light in the bathroom. CJ signs something but Eric is too far in the past to understand. He’s breathing too hard but not getting enough air, he’s still crying but he’s hardly making any noise. CJ reaches out a tentative hand, lays it gently on Eric’s arm. It’s not rough, there’s no grabbing, there’s hardly any pressure at all. But to Eric it feels like a smaller hand, one with long, manicured nails, one that’s about to pull his arms away from around his legs so it can rub over his thighs to –

Eric jolts away from CJ, letting out a fearful cry. CJ pulls his hand away immediately, shocked. His eyes go huge, and Eric can see regret instantly cloud his face.

“I’m sorry,” he signs, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

At least Eric can focus enough to understand CJ’s signing now. He still can’t talk at all, and he’s too afraid to uncurl enough to sign. He’s utterly speechless, too caught up in awful memory to communicate at all. He can see CJ’s hands in front of him but he can still feel a different pair of hands wandering over his body.

“Do you…do you need to be alone?” CJ asks.

If Eric knows CJ, he knows that CJ is asking this with the utmost reluctance. CJ would much rather stay with Eric until he knows his friend is okay rather than leave him, even if that’s what Eric wants. But he cares enough about Eric to ask anyway, and Eric knows that if he gives CJ any indication that he wants him gone, CJ will leave without thinking twice about it.

Maybe that’s why Eric shakes his head. He still trembles, a part of him is still afraid to be alone with someone in a closed room, but another part of him knows that CJ is safe. CJ relaxes a little, and offers a reassuring smile. At least, that’s probably what it’s supposed to be; mostly it just looks nervous.

They stay like that for a while, silent in the face of Eric’s still-running heart. It reminds Eric of that low morning when the Jims came to him and quietly sat by him, helping him gain the strength to face the day. It’s one of Eric’s better memories, and the rush of warmth that comes with thinking of it combats the chill of what else Eric is thinking of, the cold of the club restroom and the toilet seat Eric was sat onto. That cold is beginning to leave him, the hands rubbing over his body start to disappear. Thinking of kindness, having CJ here watching over him, and simply letting seconds pass away from his trigger all allow Eric’s heart to calm, allow him to start breathing easier.

“Do you feel better?” CJ asks.

“Yeah,” Eric replies. He still doesn’t trust his voice, he still prefers the quiet.

“Can I ask…what happened?” CJ’s fingers are uncertain and halting as he signs. “You don’t have to tell me, but…”

Eric doesn’t mind the question, and he can tell what CJ means: If he knows what triggered Eric so badly, he can avoid it, and protect Eric from it. It warms Eric all over again to know.

“It was…Yandere leaving a kiss mark on Chrome’s cheek.” Eric’s hands shake just a little as he remembers. “It reminded me of Tessa, all the lipstick stains she left on me.”

CJ winces. He must remember those stains, too. He tentatively, slowly, reaches out his hands to Eric’s, which are curled in his lap. This time, Eric doesn’t stop him, and lets CJ cover his hands with his own, and the two continue to sit in silence. But with CJ’s hands on his, Eric finds the silence even warmer, even kinder, even nicer. He thinks, suddenly, that he’s almost okay again.

As if on cue, someone outside knocks softly on Eric’s door.

“AJ, CJ, are you guys alright in there?” asks RJ’s voice. “Can I come in?”

Only a few minutes ago Eric was still too uncertain and nervous to speak. Now, though, he feels stronger, more secure, normal.

“Yeah,” he answers RJ. His voice is more quiet than he meant it to be, and for a moment he’s not sure if RJ even heard him.

But the door opens, and RJ pokes his head in, concern written all over his face. Eric can’t wave him inside with CJ’s hands still on his, so he smiles at RJ instead. RJ immediately smiles back, and happily comes inside. Like CJ, he closes the door behind him, but unlike with CJ, Eric no longer minds the closed door. Maybe later, he’ll let them know that he’d prefer the door slightly ajar before this happens again.

And it will happen again. Eric already knows that. There’s bound to be other triggers, bound to be other times that memories of what Tessa did to him swarm over him and make him afraid. But knowing that isn’t scary, at least, it’s not scary right now. Not with CJ sitting across from him, gentle hands squeezing Eric’s, and with RJ coming in to sit beside him and lean against him, providing a comforting pressure.

Someday, Tessa will fade into the background amongst Eric’s other traumas, and Eric will find his normal again. For now, he lets his head rest against RJ’s, lets his hands rest in CJ’s, and takes in their gentle care.

[cobblepot-comfort]

The Rescue - Chapter 7

Chapter 7 - Oswald and Jim Discuss the Future

Jim had always known that Oswald was fragile emotionally, a fact he kept concealed inside a hard shell.  The notoriously ruthless, tough spirited gangster who could survive any amount of physical punishment and think - and fight - his way out of any dangerous, tricky situations, had become an expert at surviving and climbing.  He’d had to be, or he would have been sure to get trampled underfoot by the mobsters and henchmen he’d rubbed shoulders with.

He had seen Oswald’s vulnerability in his eyes the very first time they had met.

Sure, he’d been beating hell out of some poor bastard with a baseball bat - but that had been expected of him, after all, hadn’t it?  He had had to prove how ruthless he could be in front of Fish Mooney’s goons.  He’d been invited and encouraged in the activity by that side kick of hers, Butch Gilzean.

He had been far too eager to please and had rather overcompensated, but he had clearly wanted to make a good impression.  And that was just what he did - literally and metaphorically.  

Kill or be killed, that was the kind of world Gertrud Kapelput’s precious boy had gotten himself involved in.  He wasn’t sure how he’d got employed by Fish Mooney as her ‘umbrella boy’, and he wasn’t inclined to ask him.  The past was the past, as Oswald was often telling him when he'd attempted to apologise for yet another transgression he'd committed.

And it wasn’t as if the guy he was beating hadn’t been caught with his hands in the till beforehand….

Yep, Jim was smitten all right.  He’d always make excuses for Oswald.  But, after all, didn’t Oswald always make excuses for him, too?

He’d not been slow in administering physical punishment to get information and co-operation.  He used violence and threatening behaviour, turning to his brute strength,  to get what he wanted when mere words failed to get results.  He’d used that kind of force on Oswald more than once too. 

He’d since tried to apologise, promised that he would do his best to make up for it - and he now made a point of behaving like a gentleman towards him all the time -  but Ozzy hadn’t admonished him once over his previous bad treatment.  In fact, Oswald was very good at showing Jim’s guilt trips the door in his own inimitable way.

"Tsk, don’t be silly, James,” he’d said dismissively, cutting Jim’s anxious speech dead with a casual wave of his hand.  “As I keep telling you - constantly, Detective, the past is the past as far as I’m concerned.  And as I also never tire of repeating, you were just doing your job, as I was mine.  Please,  don’t give it a second thought.  Now, James honey - why don't you just ravish me if you're so determined to make amends….you know much I appreciate that..." 

That was an invitation Jim could never refuse.

He didn’t think he would ever really deserve Oswald.  Luckily, Oswald didn't seem to realise it.

Earlier, after Jim had driven them both home following their last goodbye to Gertrud, they had been sitting quietly on the sofa, just bathing in the comfort of each other's presence.  Then the silence was broken:

“What?”  Jim quizzed, gazing at Oswald curiously.

“What do you mean ‘what’, James?”

“You just gave me - well, a look -  and I’m not sure what you meant by it.”

“Ah.  Hmmmm.  You noticed." 

Oswald giggled nervously. 

"Hey, what's the matter?" Jim asked, reaching out and running his finger down Oswald's arm.

 "Well, Jim - um, promise you won't laugh....”

“Of course I won’t, sweetheart.”  Jim’s touch slid down to Oswald's hand and he held it fast.

“Well, then - it was that man, the one who had that young child with him - a boy.  We drove past them on the way here.  Did you see them?”

“Oh, yeah. Yeah, I remember.  I think the boy was his son.  He was carrying him on his  shoulders, and they were both laughing.”

“Yes, yes Jim, that’s who I mean.  A father and son.  They looked so happy!”

“Yes, they did, didn’t they?”  Jim smiled.  “So - what was it about them that caught your attention, Ozzy?”

“Well,  just after we passed them, and I had noticed them, I was compelled to look at you, and I was overcome with a feeling I never experienced before.  It was a strange sensation, but it was warm, and it felt good.  That's why I looked at you the way I did, and then again just now, as I remembered it, with the feeling and expression I can't explain.”

“Ah.”  Jim’s smile grew, and he gave Oswald's hand a squeeze.

“What, Jim?”

“Wow.”  Jim shook his head slowly.  “Ozzy - I think I might have an explanation for this!”

"Do you?  Then can you please explain it to me, James?”"

Jim's deep blue gaze focused fondly on his lover's  bemused face.

“Ozzy,” he said gently,  “I actually think you might be getting - well - a bit on the broody side!”

“Broody?  What?  Me? Jim, be serious!  I mean, really.   I’ve never, ever thought about having children.  In fact, whenever I have had the misfortune to cross paths with any, I have always seen them as a nuisance!” Oswald protested, wrinkling his nose with distaste.

Then he saw Jim’s expression, and instantly felt remorseful.

“Look, Jim,” he said apologetically, straightening his face,  “I don’t mean to be insensitive.  I’m just being honest with you….”

“Yeah, I know, Ozzy.  I know you might say you don’t want kids, but  - well,  listen, sweetheart.  I’ll let you in on a little secret, and this time you’ve gotta promise ME not to laugh."

"Of course, Jim. I wouldn’t do that to you.  And I'm sorry to respond so insensitively.   I can see this matter is important to you.”

"Thanks.  And it's ok, Ozzy.  It’s better that we’re honest and open with each other.   And now I’m going to be honest and open with you.  This is something I never told anyone, and I trust YOU not to think I’m being ridiculous.   Anyway - Lee and I discussed having kids once or twice, when we were getting on a lot better, a while ago.  You know, me coming home, her being there  with our kids, a cosy little family.  And yet, no matter how  I tried,  I just couldn’t visualise that scene.   That was one of the things that drove us apart in the end.   But, Ozzy - whenever I look at you, I can DEFINITELY see us having kids together.”  Jim bit his lip, broke into an awkward boyish grin, and his cheeks became tinged with pink.  

“Awww.  Really, Jim?”  Oswald arched his black brows with amazement. "You can see us at home, all comfy cosy - two dads and our kids running round us - a family?"

“Yep, Ozzy.  I’m sure of it.  You know that time you cried out ‘I want your babies’ when we were making love?  Although I responded with something like  'what the hell?'  and then we laughed it off, well, when I had time to think about it, I realised that I really could see you as a dad - even a birth dad!”    Jim chuckled shyly.

“A birth dad?!  Hmmm.  That is impossible though, isn’t it, Jim?  Men don't - and can’t - have babies, can they?" Oswald pondered, knitting his brows thoughtfully.

“Well, true - not at the moment, anyway.  But Ozzy - remember, this is Gotham, and in this city, anything is possible, isn't it?  Never say never!” Jim shrugged, smiling hopefully.

“Well, there, you do have a point,” Oswald acknowledged, cocking his head and smiling back.  “But, seriously, Jim,” he probed,  “do you really think we could be - well, parents?  The two of us, especially given this situation we find ourselves in?”

“Yes, I do, sweetheart - despite everything - or even,  because of it.  And I think that, deep down, you kinda feel that way too.”

“Oh.  Hmmm.”  Oswald pursed and stretched his lips as he reflected on what Jim had said for a moment.

 “Well,”  he resumed, nodding slowly and stretching his jet brows thoughtfully, “now you come to mention it, Jim - having children together - even in the biological sense -   isn't beyond the realms of possibility.  After all - I love you and you love me,  and we owe it to my mother, and your parents, to give them grandchildren, don’t we?  And why else would I have looked at you like that, and had that reaction?  I suppose, subconsciously,  I must be feeling a little ‘broody’, as you put it.  And that is no bad thing when you love someone as deeply as I love you.”  

Oswald locked gazes with Jim and his dimples grew.   There was a twinkle deep within his eyes.

“Awwww.  That’s - well, beautiful, Ozzy.  And I’m so relieved to hear you say out loud what I hoped you felt, you know, about kids and all.   You’ve made me so happy.  And - sweetheart, when you say those things - and look at me like that - I know that nothing is impossible."

“Ahhh, James.  As ever, you melt my heart with your honeyed words.  We need to explore this matter further - and soon.   But...Jim, however we achieve it, I agree wholeheartedly that we should give my mother..and your parents, too, of course...grandchildren.  The more I think about it, the more it occurs to me that it really does make perfect sense ...”

“Ah, sweetheart - so now you’ve thought about it, do you really want to have kids with me, at some point?”

“Yes, Jim.  Of course I do.  I love you, and I would really  love us to have a family.  But first, I would want to make sure we both ensured a safe haven for our children.  A Gotham where they would feel safe and protected.  Free to walk the street without the likes of the Galavans and their ilk threatening their lives, as well as threatening to destroy all that’s around them.  Do you agree?”

“Yes Ozzy.  Of course I agree.”

“And - now I’ve thought about it -  I would carry your children gladly, dear, I would love to think of your child growing inside my belly, if it became possible.   But in the meantime, I would be willing to adopt a child, or maybe even more than one, who we could give a home to - who we could love and protect.”  

Oswald’s eyes suddenly lit up with excitement.

“Oh, Jim, maybe I could even open an orphanage - in my mother’s name!  It would be the perfect tribute to her - what do you think?”

“Well, I think that’s a great idea, Oz.  But as you said, we both need to work to ensure  a safe city for our future family - wherever, and whoever they happen to come from."

Jim gently laid his hand on his belly. Oswald gasped with surprise.

“I know you would make a great birth dad, if you are ever given the chance, Ozzy," Jim continued.  "And we would give our kids so much love!  I’ll hold you to your offer, Mr Cobblepot,  if it ever becomes feasible for men to give birth - safely -  in this city."

Oswald put his hand over Jim's, holding it firmly in place.

"That was so poetically expressed, my dear, again you don't fail to warm my heart.   I hope one day I will get the opportunity to keep my promise, I know now that they weren’t just empty words said in the heat of passion, I really meant them.  And oh Jim, we couldn't fail to have the prettiest kids with you as their father.  You with your boyish good looks."

"And you, with your beauty and brains in their genes, means we definitely couldn't fail.  Awww Ozzy, you're perfect.  I would love to see them  inherit your eyes ...and those dimples.  Little duplicate Cobblepots….running everywhere…."

"Causing mayhem, no doubt," Oswald cut in with a chuckle.  “If they are anything like me!”

"I am sure you were a very well-behaved child,” Jim argued with a smile.  “I was a real tearaway when I was a boy, so they might well be little troublemakers if they take after me!  But anyway, sweetheart -  however they start out,  I’m sure they will grow up to be real pillars of the community.  Maybe they’ll even go into politics!"

"Slow down, Jim, you're going too fast!"  Oswald laughed. "Anyway,” he continued more solemnly,  “however they turn out, we will love them, won't we?"

"Of course we will. How could I not love them with your blood running through their veins?"

"James - dearest!  I swear you get profounder by the second…and thank you….I love you so much.”  

Some time later, as Oswald and Jim prepared to take on the Galavans and rescue Bruce Wayne from their murderous clutches:

"Oswald, please, put on the bullet proof vest!" Jim pleaded, as they all prepared to go into battle.

"Jim, honestly! You know I am virtually indestructible…." Oswald retorted impatiently.

"Ozzy, please, don’t argue…."

"Geez, you two," cut in Harvey with exasperation.  "We can’t stand round here arguing while Galavan gets away with killing the son of Gotham. Put on the damn vest already and let’s go!"

"Thanks Harv," Jim murmured gratefully as Oswald reluctantly put on his armour, grumbling under his breath. Jim hoped fervently that he would never need it, but, better safe than sorry.

He would never forgive himself if the King of Gotham - his precious Oswald - was harmed.

Jim knew he would kill to save Oswald if he had to.  He wouldn't hesitate….

[earth-ambassador-jim]

Changeling Loyalties: Chapter 4

Butterfly Wings

Toby is quite happy with his life, but then the Amulet of Daylight just had to choose his human friend. What’s a changeling to do? Good thing Toby never really liked Gunmar anyway.

Fanfiction - AO3

~~~~

~~~~

The walk back from Trollmarket was quiet. Toby and Jim had once again donned their disguises. Aaarrrgghh accompanied them, keeping a look out for Bular, who was fortunately nowhere to be seen. It gave Toby time to think over the events of the evening and make some plans.

Bular would now be watching for them, they would have to be more careful. It was also time for Toby to make sure the trolls stopped coming over to Jim and his houses. The longer they kept coming the more likely the goblins were to notice them, or vice versa. He wasn’t sure which would be worse…

They reached woods behind Jim’s house and Aaarrrgghh stopped.

“Hey big guy?”

Aaarrrgghh turned to look at him.

“I was wondering if we could maybe start meeting somewhere else? Or maybe we could have one of those horngazel thingies?”

“What for?” Jim asked, readjusting his werewolf mask.

“Well I was just thinking… that Bular guy?” It felt weird calling him that. “Well he was waiting for us outside Trollmarket. Maybe he can’t get in but what if he follows us home?”

“Being careful,” Aaarrrgghh said.

“I know, but can’t he track your scent?”

The large troll blinked, understanding dawning on his face.

“I was just thinking that Jim and I could go somewhere and put on our disguises there and then meet you. If you’re not with us Bular won’t be able to follow us home because we have the scent masking pendants.”

Aaarrrgghh hummed thoughtfully.

“Will ask. Where meet tomorrow?”

Toby glanced at Jim.

“How about at the library?” Jim suggested after a moment. “We can work on our homework there and no one will think it’s suspicious that we’re hanging about late. Do you know where the library is?”

Aaarrrgghh nodded, eyes crinkling as he smiled.

“Yes. Blinky love library.”

~~~~

Toby waited until he was sure Jim was safely in his house before entering his own. He stared at it forlornly. He really wanted to just go to sleep, but he couldn’t have his house smelling like trolls.

He sighed, went to the cleaning closet, and began taking out the supplies. With one last longing glance toward his room he got to work.

After he’d scrubbed and mopped every inch of the house, he snuck out to the shed to stash his disguise and retrieve the lawn fertilizer. It would mask the troll scent out there. If the goblins’ smelled them in the woods they would hopefully assume then that the trolls had simply passed by.

He got his lawn done and then did Jim’s for good measure. If Blinky and Aaarrrgghh didn’t go with either of his suggestions they were going to have the greenest lawns in all of Arcadia.

The sun was already peeking over the horizon when he returned to the house to vacuum.

He finished that, emptied the bag into the outside trash and came back inside just in time to hear his alarm go off upstairs. Toby groaned and leaned his head up against the wall.

“This is so not awesome sauce…”

After a moment he removed himself, grudgingly resigned the fact that he would be running on zero sleep, and went over to the coffee maker.

~~~~

“Hey Tobes?” Jim asked hesitantly as they tied their bikes up outside the school.

“Hmmm?”

Toby took a sip of his… well coffee would probably not be quite accurate. It was really just caffeinated sludge.

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

“Yes,” Toby lied, as he chewed on some grounds.

“Because if you didn’t you might want to…”

“Lake! You flipping buttsnack!”

Toby closed his eyes and counted to ten. Maybe it wasn’t too late to just go home…

“Where have you been?” Steve demanded, stalking toward them. “I scheduled your buttwhooping for yesterday, jerkface, and you didn’t show.”

He leaned into Jim’s space and Toby was immediately reminded of Draal.

“Tick-tok. Remember?”

Toby was way too tired to deal with this.

“I’ve been busy,” Jim said looking almost as tired as Toby.

“Well I guess it’s your lucky day,” Steve said. “Because I’ve rescheduled to now.”

“What?” Jim’s eyes widened. “Now?!”

“Of course. It’s not like you have anything better to do.”

A crowd was starting to form around them. Eli, Mary Wang and some kid Toby didn’t recognize were already watching with anxious expressions. Darci Scott and Claire Nuñez rounded the corner and Claire held up an arm to stop her friend.

“Well? You ready?” Steve was getting more wound up with the attention.

“You know what?” Jim said, straightening up. “No. This is stupid.”

“What did you just say?” Steve sounded both shocked and incredibly slighted.

“I said this is stupid. There are hundred things more important than fanning your ego.”

Around them the crowd was whispering. Toby could relate. It seemed that taking on a couple trolls had really helped Jim get over his fear of Steve. To be fair Steve was kind of underwhelming after once one had met Bular.

Toby shook his head to clear out the cobwebs and moved to stand more squarely beside Jim.

“He’s right. This is stupid… Especially for you.”

Steve shot him a glare, but his attention remained on Jim.

“If you get caught fighting, you’ll get a mark on your record. Get enough of those and you can kiss your spot on the football team good-bye.”

Okay now he had the bully’s attention.

“Don’t flipping threaten me,” He snarled at Toby.

Jim tensed beside him, hands curling into fists.

“Then stop threatening us,” Toby responded easily.

He took a sip of his caffeine sludge and stared back at Steve, giving him the most vicious glare he could muster.

Steve paled, all the fight going out of his expression to be replaced with fear and confusion.

“What the… What the flip was that?!”

Jim and Toby exchanged a puzzled expression.

“What was what?”

“The thing you just…”

Steve took a step back and then straightened up, resuming his usual sneer. He would have looked intimidating, except that his gaze kept darting back to Toby every other second.

“You know what?” He said throwing his hands up. “You’re right. This is stupid. I have better things to do than deal with you buttsnacks.”

And with that he stalked off.

“Well that was weird,” Jim muttered.

The crowd broke into a cheer and everyone rushed forward. Toby couldn’t remember ever being this popular. It was kind of nice. He should tell off Steve more often.

Unfortunately their moment of glory was cut short by the bell.

As they turned to rush off toward class Toby noticed Claire was watching him.

~~~~

The first half of the school day passed quickly. Mr. Strickler’s class was the only one Toby was truly awake for. Nevertheless he was still thankful when the bell rang signaling the end of third period and the start of lunch.

“Hi Mr. Strickler.”

Jim’s voice started Toby out of his dazed state.

“Hello Jim,” Strickler said with an easy smile.

The smile flickered for a moment as he turned his gaze to Toby.

“My apologies for interrupting, but I need to borrow your friend for a moment.”

Suddenly Toby was very awake. It took all his self-control to keep a somewhat calm demeanor and paste on a smile.

Jim, unaware of the potential conflict brewing, nodded and started to turn away.

“Okay. I’ll go get us seats. See you, Tobes!”

He gave Toby a wave and disappeared down the hall, leaving him all alone.

“Follow me, Domzalski,” Strickler said sharply, dropping his façade now that they were alone.

Toby swallowed and obeyed, falling into step with the older changeling. They reached Stricklander’s office and Toby hesitated for a moment before following him in and closing the door.

Mr. Strickler took a seat behind his desk and indicated with his head for Toby to do the same.

“Soooo? What’s up?”

“I believe we’ve talked about the importance of not revealing your true nature to humans?”

Toby’s fear was abruptly replaced with confusion.

“…Yes?”

“Then why in Gunmar’s name would you go and flash your eyes at a teenager?”

“…I what now?” Clearly Toby needed another cup of coffee. He had probably fallen asleep and was dreaming this conversation. Nana would wake him any time now.

Mr. Strickler sighed and folded his hands in front of him.

“This morning,” He said pointedly. “I believe Mr. Palchuck was trying to start trouble with you and Mr. Lake. Apparently you flashed your eyes at him to make him back off.”

Toby blinked, slowly processing. Now that he thought about it that would explain Steve’s reaction.

“Oops?” He said giving Mr. Strickler a nervous smile. “I swear it was an accident?”

Mr. Strickler sighed again and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I suspected that was the case,” He frowned and stood up from his chair. “That being said, I can’t have changelings carelessly exposing us to humans because they can’t keep their wits about them when a bullheaded adolescent tries to goad them into a fight. You are lucky that Steve was the only one to see. It was a small enough thing that he will likely write it off as a figment of his imagination and we won’t have to do anything.”

“Sorry, sir,” Toby said, also standing up.

“Sorry isn’t enough, you must learn from your mistakes.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“I’m glad, but just to make sure, you will be on call for cleanup for the rest of the month. Starting now. Hopefully that shall drive home the importance of secrecy.”

That was going to make things complicated.

“But …”

“Do you have a problem with my decision, Mr. Domzalski?” Strickler asked in a pointed tone.

Toby quickly straightened to attention.

“Of course not. No sir, Mr. Strickler, sir!” He added in a salute for good measure.

Mr. Strickler rolled his eyes.

“Good,” he said, settling back down into his desk. “You are dismissed.”

Toby waited until he was out in the hall and well away from Mr. Strickler’s office to heave a sigh of relief. He decided to drop by the bathroom before joining Jim; he needed some time to calm down and stop shaking.

He had honestly thought that Stricklander knew. That he was going to try to force him to spy on Jim for the Janus Order.

A month on call for clean-up still wasn’t good, though. There was no way something wouldn’t happen in that amount of time. Toby needed to start planning excuses so the trolls wouldn’t get suspicious if he missed training at Trollmarket or had to leave abruptly.  

He groaned and started digging around in his backpack for a Nougat Nummy to soothe his nerves. Things just kept getting more and more complicated.

Hopefully Mr. Strickler was right and Steve would just forget about the whole thing instead of adding to the mess.

~~~~                 

Jim made it through all of his homework before it got dark. He glanced at the window and leaned back in his chair to stretch. To his right Toby was sprawled out across the table snoring away, a little line of drool seeping out of his mouth. Jim probably should have woken him up hours ago so he could get his homework done, but given how tired his friend was he felt it was better to let him rest. That and Jim felt rather guilty that it was really his fault that Toby wasn’t getting enough sleep.

Blinky and Aaarrrgghh would arrive pretty soon… or would it be just Aaarrrgghh tonight?

He glanced outside again. It was dark. Time to wake Toby.

He tried calling his name but had no success. Jim glanced around until he located a piece of scrap paper. He grabbed it and backed up until there was about a table’s length of space between him and Toby. His friend had been on edge with all the craziness going on so better safe than sorry. He wadded the paper into a ball and aimed it at Toby’s shoulder.

His little league experience had stuck with him and he hit his target on the first shot. As soon as the wad of paper made contact Toby burst out of the chair with yelp, swinging his fist in the direction of the disturbance. Encountering only air, he twisted around eyes darting rapidly until they landed on Jim.

Jim gave a little wave.

“Hey Tobes,” He said keeping his voice soft. “It’s dark out. Time to go.”

Toby blinked a few times, his expression relaxing for a moment before his brows furrowed.

“Wait… How long have I been sleeping?”

Jim moved to stand beside him.

“About three hours…”

“Three hours!” Toby squawked, before wincing when several people turned to glare at him.

“Three hours?!” He repeated more quietly, giving Jim a slight glare. “Why didn’t you wake me up? Mr. Strickler’s not going to be happy if I turn in my essay late.”

Jim wasn’t quite sure why he wasn’t worried about his other classes. Maybe his grade was down and that was why their history teacher called him to his office earlier.

“Sorry,” Jim said, holding his hands up. “I was just worried because you’ve looked so tired all day.”

Jim frowned.

“You could stay home tonight if you…”

“No!” Toby said quickly, tensing. “Not happening.”

“Okay,” Jim said.

He really should have argued some more. Jim was the one the amulet had chosen, Toby didn’t need to be missing sleep for him but… but he was really glad Toby had decided to come with him. He felt safer with his friend beside him. He knew he was being selfish, but somehow he just couldn’t really make himself do anything about it… Besides… Toby was happier knowing what was going on anyway so it wasn’t like he was forcing his friend or anything.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Jim tossed Toby the bag with his cloak in it and they left the library to look for a place to put on their disguises.

~~~~

The first thing Blinky did when Toby and Jim arrived at Hero’s Forge was to lead Toby to an alcove he hadn’t noticed before.

“If you are to be joining Master Jim in his training, you must have a proper weapon.”

Toby felt a grin slowly forming on his face. His fingers twitched as his gaze darted over the weapons before him. He’d never had access to such a selection.

There were axes and swords and spears… and a wrench? He wasn’t sure what to make of that one... But Toby’s gaze was immediately drawn to the large hammer resting on the floor. It had a long pole with an orange crystal head. Reminded of his own warhammer, Toby immediately grabbed it. Unfortunately, after struggling to lift it, he was forced to acknowledge that it was too heavy for him to wield in his current form. Not effectively anyway.

He staggered back to the weapons rack and dropped it with a resounding thud.

After a moment of contemplation he picked out a small double headed battle ax. Toby checked the head and, finding it to be in good condition, gave it an experimental swing. He grinned. The balance was right.

“I’ll take this one,” Toby said, turning back to Blinky.

He found himself face to face with Aaarrrgghh instead. Toby let out a yelp and stumbled backward, nearly dropping the ax.

“Sorry,” Aaarrrgghh said. “Blinky with Jim.”

Toby looked where the Krubera was pointing. Sure enough, Jim was standing in the center of the arena with Daylight drawn. Blinky appeared to be correcting his posture. Toby hefted the ax over his shoulder and began walking, Aaarrrgghh moved to follow. Toby tensed then shifted to the side and slowed his pace slightly so the large troll was beside him instead.

Aaarrrgghh glanced at him, ears drooping slightly.

“Sorry.”

Toby looked at him in surprise before realizing that how he had likely interpreted Toby’s actions.

“No, no!” He said with a slightly awkward laugh. “You didn’t do anything… It’s just that…” Come on, Toby think up a good lie. “It’s just when I was little there were a lot of bullies and…”

“Bull lies?”

“Bullies… Um… Mean people,” Toby clarified. Aaarrrgghh made a sound of understanding. “They used to play nasty jokes on me, so I get a little jumpy about having people behind me sometimes.” Not completely a lie. He just hadn’t specified that it only applied to trolls and other changelings… and Steve. The jerk had tried to give him a wedgie a few times. After he had gotten his payback that hadn’t happened again but he still didn’t trust the boy.

“Oh,” Aaarrrgghh said. He frowned slightly, then tilted his head up slightly giving Toby a sincere look. “Won’t do that. Toby friend.”

Toby stopped, caught off guard by his gesture and words. He blinked quickly.

“Th-Thank-you.”

“Welcome,” Aaarrrgghh said and smiled at him.

“Tobias!” Blinky called. “It’s time for the first lesson.”

Toby and Aaarrrgghh hurried over. Blinky turned to look at them and nodded.

“You have chosen battle ax, I see. A respectable choice in weaponry, though I fear I shall have to instruct you on its use separate from Jim as swords require very different training,” He clapped his hands together. “Fortunately our first lesson will carry you through the perilous world of Trollhunting regardless of your weapon.”

He straightened up and half his eyes focused on Jim and half on Toby.

“It is time that you learn the Three Rules of Trollhunting.”

~~~~

~~~~

Subplot is a go! This should be fun.

[crimes-and-gelato]

Hit Me with Your Best Shot

It’s not an uncommon occurrence for a patient under heavy dosage of anaesthesia to have temporary side effects on them like: no brain to mouth filter, short amnesia, blindness, overly emotional, etc. It gets quite insane sometimes.

Bucky’s been working as a nurse for seven years and he’d view these occurrences as normal, even when he’s more often victimised by this so called ever-present Human Crazy Reaction to Substance, as Clint would put it. But he didn’t expect that the famous Tony Stark would be prey to this as well.

Well, that’s interesting.

He arrives in the room after Colonel Rhodes, Tony’s best friend, called for him when Tony wakes up.

‘How are you feeling, Tones?’ Bucky hears the Colonel asks the genius. ‘Don’t worry. Barnes is on his way.’

‘Like –’ Tony starts but stops when he sees Bucky entering. ‘Well, hello there, gorgeous.’ He winks. Fucking. Winks.

‘Are you okay?’ Bucky asks worriedly and scans the other man’s face for anything out of place. He even goes to investigate the IV.

‘I am now,’ Tony answers, dripping with sensuality and smiles up at Bucky.

On the other side of the bed Bucky can hear Jim’s frustrated groan.

‘So, tell me, gorgeous, do you have a name or is it Angel?’ Tony continues, ignoring his best friend and giving Bucky a suggestive once-over. ‘Cos you sure look like one.’

Sure the whole flirting isn’t new because hello, genius, playboy, billionaire, philanthropist Tony Stark here. Only that it doesn’t feel like Tony’s merely just dallying.

Bucky turns to Tony’s best friend with a silent question as to how this all happened. But of course, side effect. And Rhodey’s only reply is his own confuse What the fuck is happening face.

Since, the other James is of no help, Bucky puts it into his own hand to confirm his theory.

He occupies the empty chair next to the bed and says, ‘Tony, don’t you remember? It’s me James your –’

Tony interrupts him by putting his good finger against Bucky’s lips, shaking his head a bit. ‘Baby steps, darling,’ he murmurs. ‘I’m Tony, your future over-a-cup-of-coffee date, because I have a feeling you like coffee. And how fortunate that I love coffee.’ He adds another charming smile.

Bucky’s taken aback, alright. All he manages to do is stare at Tony with disbelief. He doubts the engineer can bullshit him and Rhodey this much.

‘Would you look at that?’ Tony continues, unconscious to the growing incredulity of his best friend and Bucky. ‘We already have something in common. Interesting, isn’t it?’ His face breaks out into another smile. And for a moment Bucky can’t help but be reminded how gorgeous Tony is. ‘It’s like fate.’

He should really shed some light on Tony. But Bucky’s too busy being blinded by how radiant Tony’s smile is. And it’s physically, mentally, and emotionally impossible to ignore something so majestic.

‘So, what do you say, honey bear?’ Tony wiggles his eyebrows with a sly smile. ‘How about we go grab that coffee right now and I promise to walk you home after and maybe try to steal a kiss or two.’ He pauses and looks at Bucky thoughtfully with those huge, soft, brown eyes. ‘With your consent of course because I am down for that.’

In all honesty, Bucky’s waiting for the genius to suddenly pull the rug under him and yell ‘You’ve been Punk’d, James.’ For as much as the surreal-ness of the whole thing is, it’s above what he had been expecting.

Bucky directs his glance back to the Colonel once again, hoping for some aid with the situation. Only that Rhodey’s too busy silently snickering and recording the whole of Tony’s monologue with his phone, probably for blackmail material in the future.

He sighs tiredly and in defeat. ‘Uhmm… I don’t think coffee would be a good idea, doll.’

‘Why not?’ Tony asks with a pout. ‘Is it me? Was it something I said? Because if you want to take this slowly… that I can do as well.’ He smiles hopefully, only it’s not as radiant as the one from before.

Taken from experience, Bucky knows that fragile smile, having his own insecurity to battle with. It’s not hard to notice when you’ve looked closer.

‘It’s not that,’ he assures quickly, not wanting for the unpleasant smile to settle on Tony’s lips any longer. All Bucky meant of the sentence is to point out that a cup of coffee – a date, really – is out of question because Tony’s currently in the hospital and about to undergo surgery. He isn’t able to stop himself from reaching out on Tony’s good hand to dampen whatever insecurity that had lingered.

Tony stares at their hands, the small smile on his lips softly turning into something more genuine. And Bucky counts that as a win. Not even bothering to pull his hand back.

‘Hey, I know this all seemed too fast, but you’re just so beautiful that I can’t help myself,’ Tony explains tenderly, his past bravado coming back with each word. ‘And you seem like the type to give nice hugs and cuddle. And that right there is the standard for me.’

‘Of course, it is,’ Bucky agrees sarcastically, rolling his eyes, even. The fond smile tugging on his lips ruins his plan to mock.

‘And sass as fuck, too.’ Tony chuckles, amused. ‘You’re certainly the man for me.’

If Bucky’s cheeks turns slightly red it’s not because he’s blushing. It’s basically anything but that. He catches himself before the blu—before it can go any further because he has responsibilities in hand.

He’s a professional for crying out loud. He clears his throat and turns back again to Tony’s best friend for help. And the Colonel isn’t really planning on helping because it seems like he’s even miming for Bucky to continue playing along.

The black man’s eyes are full of mischievous glee as he endures to film Tony and Bucky’s interaction.

Bucky lets another long-suffering sigh because these two are bunch of ridiculous idiots. Not that he’s going to say that outloud to the Colonel’s face. Nope, he still likes to continue living, thank you very much.

‘I don’t think you understand the situation, sweetheart,’ he says, on the verge of spilling the truth to the genius.

Tony looks confuse for a second or two before he says, ‘Of course I understand perfectly well. I’m a genius, remember? Five PhDs and all that.’ He smirks and winks. ‘I understand very much how I’m irrevocably attracted to you, and honestly, if it won’t seem like a rude thing to do, I’d grab you right now and kiss you.’ His eyes gazes at Bucky’s lips at the mention of the deed and unconsciously licks his lips.

No one should blame Bucky for mirroring Tony’s action, because good god does the man had the most attractive lips he had laid eyes on. Full bottom lips that would be so great to bite on and pull and tease and lick.

Now, Bucky can’t stop staring at Tony’s lips. All sense of professionalism gone. He is so fucked.

‘But, unfortunately, the laws of our land prevents me from doing so before getting to know you first,’ Tony continues, eyes back on Bucky’s own, holding equal sincerity and mischief. ‘Because I would love to get to know you. And maybe even marry you.’

‘What?’ Bucky’s caught off guard once again. He blinks rapidly as if trying to unsee what he has heard, which is such a ridiculous anatomy reaction.

The other James in the room snickers not-so-quietly because he’s an asshole apparently.

It’s not Bucky’s fault if the Colonel’s fit of giggles triggered him to glare at the military man.

‘I mean, I’m definitely not letting you go after all your amazing qualities,’ Tony states. ‘Although, I have to warn you that I may not be the best husband.’

There’s another sad smile on Tony’s mouth that Bucky is so tempted to kiss away. Or maybe punch the person who had created the engineer’s insecurities.

‘I’m sure you’ll be perfect, doll,’ he assures him and grazes his thumb softly on Tony’s knuckles.

‘Are you really agreeing to marry me?’ The way that Tony’s eyes lit up could have powered the whole hospital. And that’s saying something since it’s a big hospital.

Bucky takes it as another win for him. Or it could be actually the drugs that’s causing the emotional imbalance in Tony’s system.

‘Damn! I’m one lucky son of a bitch.’ The genius is grinning from ear to ear. ‘No take backs, okay?’

‘I call dibs on being best man,’ Rhodey announces, deeming it the only time he wants to be helpful.

‘Definitely, platypus,’ Tony agrees, turning his head to his friend like he’s only remembered him there. But his eyes doesn’t stray long on the other man, his attention moves back to Bucky like the nurse had hung the moon and the stars and all the other planet in the solar system. ‘Is it settle then?’

Not that Bucky will say no to the proposal with Tony’s awful big, beautiful eyes on him. Who will even deny those eyes anything?

‘God, you’ll look amazing in an all black tux.’ Tony rakes his gaze over Bucky, already lost in his fantasy of the nurse in the tux and his eyes suggest that he’s not far from thinking of Bucky out of the said tux as well.

And honestly, Bucky doesn’t mind being out of the tux as well. Not that he’s going to tell Tony that.

‘I mean, you do look amazing in this…’ The engineer gestures vaguely to Bucky’s scrubs.

Bucky chuckles at that. ‘And I already know you’re handsome in a suit.’

‘You betcha,’ Tony agrees and throws another charismatic smile. ‘I do have the perfect white Armani suit with black lapels in mind. It’ll be a sunset wedding by the cliff with lots and lots of fairy lights and all the cheesy romantic stuff. Maybe candles, too.’ He suddenly pulls Bucky’s hands and kisses it, making Bucky not-blush once again. He sniffs on the warm skin and moans quietly. ‘Hmmm… Sandalwood scent, maybe? You smell like one. What do you think, cupcake?’

What does he think? He can’t, because Bucky’s brain had short-circuited upon the touch of Tony’s soft lip on his skin. And that low moan? That shoved every logic thoughts in his brain into the gutter, because hearing that noise from Tony Stark pulls a Pavlovian reaction out of him.

He wants to hear it again. He wants to jump into the bed with Tony and hear those mewling sounds whispered into his ears.

And then there’s that warm look on Tony’s face again, all directed on Bucky. Tony’s open concern on what Bucky wants.

‘I can’t fucking wait to marry you,’ Tony confesses affectionately, and softly squeezes Bucky’s hand.

Bucky swallows heavily because he’s scared he might say something stupid like how he feels the same because that would be insane. But deep in his heart he wants to say yes, knowing a day will never come that he will not be able to deny this generous, beautiful man anything he will ever ask Bucky of.

‘It should be one hell of a coffee cup, sweetheart,’ he jokes instead.

‘I promise,’ Tony vows solemnly.

————————————————————

————————————————————

Epilogue

It’s been two weeks since his surgery. And Tony’s healing up all well. The only thing that still hurt is his pride because his husband and best friend are little shits.

The thorn that wounds him is Rhodey’s video of him while he was high as fuck on drugs before his operation. It’s already been on their secured group chat with friends, no thanks to JARVIS because even his own child betrayed him. A travesty.

‘It’s not funny anymore,’ he complains.

‘Come on, doll.’ Bucky kisses his temple soothingly. ‘You know it is.’

Tony only pouts and glares at his husband when Bucky doesn’t even have the modesty to hide his amuse chuckle on Tony’s expense.

‘You have to thank Odin, Thor, and all the gods on Asgard that you’re pretty because I’m still mad at you, or else you’ll be sleeping on the couch for a week,’ he threatens mildly, as if he can sleep without Bucky next to him.

‘Thank, Odin, alright,’ Bucky agrees, and pulls him into a side cuddle, making sure he doesn’t bother Tony’s still healing leg.

And Tony wants to reprimand Bucky’s patronising tone. But his lips are busy being kissed by his wonderful and menacing husband.

Fin.

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/15781986/chapters/36718377

[ritacaroline]

In The Light          Jimmy Page Fan Fiction            Part 60                   Conclusion

Part 60    Conclusion

Conclusion    Just One Thing

Written Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Takes place August 1st, 1978

Later, they were laying around in the yard outside the pool, on an old tablecloth. Gazing up at the sky watching clouds, moving along at a slow pace.  Just laying there thinking.  In the light.

They were lazing around smoking a joint, one rolled with the good stuff. Jimmy always had the good stuff.  Just took a couple of hits to get off. Soon they started pointing up at clouds in the deep blueness above, which appeared in some way as animals, as clouds do.  It was easy to come up with odd thoughts, as a result of the weed.  Jim stated, “That one there looks like a moose.”

 "Wow, it does.“ she remarked. Again he spoke, “over there is kind of like a little bird.”

Jill said, “ Look,  hmmm,…. I see a waiter, holding a stack of plates and he’s sliding on a banana peel. And he’s about to fly…..in through the out door !”

“Holy smokes,” he said, “what an imagination !”  But, there’s something poetic about that phrase, ..In through the out door. I’m gonna need to write that down for later use, he thought. She had just made that waiter thing up, to entertain him, she didn’t see that image there at all.  He knew it, she was always extremely entertaining and silly, and he very much enjoyed that part of her personality.

Quiet stillness overtook them for awhile. He felt so natural and light, so at ease with her. It was euphoric. Just laying there outside together, talking. Who could ever imagine that ? He realized she was the most pure friend he had ever had.

Then suddenly, out of the clear blue sky, Jill drew in a deep breath, and sang out as loudly as possible….

“Good morning,  Starshine !    The Earth says… hello ! ”

 He laughed his adorable laugh immediately and followed it with,  “ You twinkle above us !…  we twinkle below !“  loudly and way out of tune.

  It was so unlike him to sing, especially so spontaneously. They both fell into hysterical laughter.  Snorting and all. “That song’s a hippie mantra, is it not ?” he asked.

“Why yes, yes it is. And you ought to know !  You’re practically King of the Hippies.” she replied.

“Wow, that’s a cool title, not sure I can live up to it, but I can try. Next we need to try Green Tambourine. And just see how it goes ?“  She was laughing and loving this silliness from him. It was then that she realized, he was her best friend. Best sweetest friend ever.

Jim remarked, “How did we find so much entertainment by just smoking a doobie and laying on the grass ? Me and my girl. You are absolutely magical to me.  No one could ever replace you in my heart, my angel.”  Then, in a heavily thoughtful moment, he started contemplating his next statement.  They were now laying down in the sunlight, partially blocked by the shady canopy of leaves on the trees.  Laying there in close proximity face to face, on their sides.  With a deeply serious look, he stroked her hair and exclaimed pensively,  “ Jilly ?  I have to tell you something. “  She looked at him with concern and said, "Yeah ? What ?” as he slowly twirled her pretty hair between his fingers.   “It’s that, … I love being with you. You’re all I look forward to when we’re apart. I adore your company. ”

 She was relieved at his sweet remarks. Because his initial remark seemed to proceed something serious.  She responded lightheartedly, “And I as well, yours ? Is that the right way to say it ?” laughing.

Jim stared down at her, in deep thought, lying down, his head held up by one hand,  “No baby, I’m serious. You are extremely important to me. You're…., what I mean is,  I’m in love with you. You’re the woman I love.”

 Time stood still for a few seconds. She lost her breath for a moment and her throat became choked up. While looking into each other’s eyes, his became glassy.  “I don’t usually say things like that.” he said.

She answered  “No, no you don’t. Really caught me off guard with that one.” She was shocked and deeply moved at once. 

He continued, with a serious look, “ but I mean it. And I’m not saying it because I’m high.  I mean, I am a little high. But, it’s the pure honest truth. I am so in love with you, darling, my heart is burning !”

She’s stared at him with mouth ajar, and her entire body tingling in disbelief. She felt a little out of breath, as though someone had knocked the wind out of her.  

He continued, “Do you love me too ? My beautiful girl ? I’m gonna die in agony if you say no. Please, say you love me ? …What do you say, girl ?”

As a few seconds passed, he searched her face for a response. It felt like years to him. The pain was harsh.  “Please, answer. Tell me.” he questioned.

“ Yes, I love you !  With all my heart. Of course I do !  I  never loved a man before, the way that I love you !  Never in my life. The pain of it is killing me !”

 He immediately grabbed the back of her head, pulled her to his face and smashed his mouth against hers in a messy rough wet kiss of pure raw love and emotion. His admission of his love for her felt like a fresh wound in his chest, the actual saying of his deep feelings. It was as though a gash had been torn into his flesh and it bled like mad and burned. He ached for her love so badly. He held her close with her face in his hair and he now dripped a few tears. The emotions for him were just way overwhelming. He choked on the messy tears as they dripped in huge blots all over the hollows of his throat and upon her neck and into his glorious black locks. He held tightly onto her, never wanting to let go. It was so strong, it felt like a love that happens once in a hundred lifetimes.  She held onto him as well, with all her strength and tried to absorb it all.  He asked her, “Tell me again, my love. Say it again, please.”    

 “Jim,..I’m in love with you.” she said.   “Oh my God. Hearing you say that,… oh  Lord. What you do to me. You put thrills through my bones when you say that.”  And she was speechless again and just put her soft lovely fingers into his hair and petted the side of his face and kissed him under his jaw, then on his lips. And she tasted the salty tears that had run across there.  

Her realization of his feelings for her was so profound, outrageous. Jill loved him so dearly, his words had been so unexpected and meant so much to her. So much pleasure and confusion now flooded her brain.  All she could do now was to cling onto his slender body as tightly as possible. She didn’t think it could exist or that it was possible. The knowing, blazed like a red hot ember. Her new confession of love for him seemed like an unreachable rare animal such as a rare hummingbird alighting onto your finger.

He lay there in her arms, his very confirmation of his love had left him completely helpless and exposed. He was hers. It was his idea. He was giving himself to her. His heart was wide open at that moment, completely raw, burning. In the past this would’ve been quite an unpleasant state of being for him. But, strangely now, he didn’t mind it at all. In fact, he liked it.  Anything for her.  He told her “I’m at your mercy, my love. I’m yours. You’re free to do with me as you like.  I’m defenseless.”

She smiled with this revelation. It was pure bliss. They lay there kissing tenderly, nibbling and licking each others lips. His manly hands caressing her waist and hips. They were exhausted.

He was the ultimate perfect man for her.  She said thoughtfully, “Your love, Jim, it’s just too good for me. I don’t deserve it."   He responded with, "Oh my God, yes you do angel. Yes.   You do. You deserve that and much much more. ”

They lay there silently together for a few moments, thinking about what just happened.They had their foreheads pressed together while Jill massaged the sides of his head at his temples and his hairline. It was so soothing and loving and comforting all at the same time. He knew he had his exact right match in his arms, the way that she made him feel, so loved.

At that point, their little buddy from next door, Ben came wandering over. As per usual, he was in a carefree mood, not a worry in his head.  He flopped down, again uninvited.  He lay on his tummy with bent elbows ahead, his chin held up by his hands under his jaw. He gazed right at them.  Bug carrying cage and a net by his side, along with a dirty face, probably a peanut butter and jelly face.

“Yes ?” said Jill, with a questioning expression. “What can we do for you ?”

Ben hesitated, obviously in deep thought. Finally he looked at Jill and blurted out, “Is he your boyfriend ?”

She waited a few moments to answer. “Yeah, I’d say he’s my boyfriend.”

Next, now gazing directly at Jimmy he said,

“Jim ? Is she your girlfriend ?”

“Yep, she is.” he stated.

“Oh."  Ben thought deeply again and lay quietly now.

Jill was thinking, Uh oh. What in hell is coming out next ?

Ben said, "I have a girlfriend too you know.”

“You do ?” Jill asked.

“Yeah. She’s in my kindergarten, her name’s Melissa.” He was now sitting up straight, eager to spill his story.

“So, here’s what happened, okay ?  I told her I love her.

Then I kissed her, right near her mouth.  And she didn’t run away. Not like that other time when I,…well, never mind.”

Ben continued, “So then, I just said to her, Can we get married ?”

“And what did she say ?!"  Jill asked, now intrigued.

"She said, okay.” he stated calmly, shrugging, unaffected.

Jimmy said, “Wow ! You have guts, mate !”

Ben said, “Yeah, I do. That’s how you do it.  I’m just tellin ya, Jim.  If you want a pretty girl, all for yourself, only for you.  All ya do is you say,  ” I love you ! Can we get married ?”

“Uh huh !” Jimmy said. “That’s all ya do ?” he asked. Jim nodded with a knitted brow, intensely as if he had just been given the secret of life, by means of the Dalai Lama. He was faking the deep gratefulness bullshit, eyebrows pointing down, for Ben’s benefit.

Jill was laughing now, covering her mouth so as not to embarrass Ben, but still a little uncomfortable. It was a sensitive subject which had never come up in conversation between them before.

Jimmy just looked at them both, in kind of a mock-startled expression, mouth open and also at a loss for words. This entire conversation had caught him off guard and had caused him a tiny bit of discomfort.

Ben jumped up, grabbed his bug carrier and net, and ran off without even a goodbye nor a look back. Better things to do, they guessed.

Alone again, Jimmy could see Jill squirming a bit, while also a little embarrassed.

He said, “That’s what kids do, you know, I guess.  They just blurt things out in a natural way. Nothing held back. They just let it out. Don’t feel weird about it, darling.”

Jill loved how he cared about her comfort and had tried soothing her uneasiness with his sensitive words. She was constantly amazed at how caring he was.

Next Jim made a deep thinking statement, “ When do people change from being that spontaneous, to being so boring and planned out ? When ?” he wondered.

They then just stopped talking and lay peacefully in the grassy garden for a little while. Jill was feeling so relaxed and a little drowsy.  She had her head against his shoulder and his upper chest. His arm around her back was entangled in her gorgeous dirty blond hair which was spread all over. He just studied her peaceful face at rest there, in the light. He was so enamored with her at that moment.  Jill slowly sat up and stretched.   She said softly,  “Let’s go in and get some tea.” and slowly stood up. He stood also.

“Sure,"  he replied, "but just one thing angel…,”

“Yeah ?"  She stopped and turned, looking right at him.

At that moment, right in front of her, he got down onto his right knee, looking up straight into her beautiful eyes, and he took her hand.

His sharp eyes were softened by feelings of love, and he started, "Jill, I am so in love with you.  Will you marry me ?”

He then put his other hand into his jeans pocket and pulled out the most amazing sparkler she had ever seen.

A huge diamond ring, reflecting shards of light everywhere, brilliantly.  No box, or wrapping, just here it is. Right out of his pocket. Anything for her. It had been there in his pocket all the day long. He held it up to her and said, “I got this for you, my love.”

Her mouth fell open. She put a few of her fingers over her mouth loosely, shaking in astonishment. Tears started to spill out, she couldn’t speak. He took her left hand and gently placed the ring onto her delicate finger. She began nodding yes, tears falling down now.

“You will, angel ?  That means yes ?” he asked.

“Oh my God yes ! Yes yes.  I’m so in love with you too, Jim, so much” she exclaimed.  He began hugging her head close to his throat now, ecstatic with her reaction. They stood there a long while in a loving embrace, and kissed with a messy wet kiss that was so emotional and so strong, it could have melted a thousand glaciers. He said  “Please, don’t cry, my love. Don’t cry !    It’s going to be beautiful.”

                                                                     The End

How did any of you like this story ?  Criticism or any comments very welcome. 

Sequel to    In The Light  “ Starshine”        is  found at : https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/post/184383708541/starshine-ch-1-jimmy

Chapter Index :

https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/Fan%20Fictionfe

[justaloser-iguess]

Really though, who are you?

     Ethan liked his job. The pay was decent, his boss was nice, and the place really had a nice atmosphere. The highlight of his day, however, was his favorite regular. The man came in every day, and had been coming by for so long that Ethan had his order memorized. He came in after the morning rush, and was usually the only one there, giving him time to chat with the baristas. Or rather, one barista in particular. He and Ethan had been casually chatting to the point where they were on a first name basis- that is, if the man would ever give Ethan his name. Each day he’d have a different one to put on his cup: one day it’d be Michael, one day it’d be Richard, and one day it had even been Obi Wan.

     At first Ethan had found it endearing, funny even, but at this point he was infuriated. There was no denying that there was something there, between the two (his co workers often teased him about it), and he didn’t even know the man’s name, for gods sake! Why did he have to keep the joke going for so long? Couldn’t he just drop it at this point?

     Ethan was standing at the counter when his friend and coworker, Amy, approached him from behind.

     "Waiting for your boyfriend?“she grinned, pushing past him to wipe off the counter.

     "He’s not my boyfriend,” he mumbled, though he didn’t deny that that was exactly what he was doing.

     "He could be,“ the blonde said, throwing him a pointed glance.

     Ethan sighed. "He probably doesn’t even like me. He might have a boyfriend. Or girlfriend.” He looked glumly out towards the tables.

     "Dude. Have you noticed the flirting? Tell me you’ve noticed the flirting. There’s literally no way he isn’t interested in you.“ She scooped up the rag she’d been using to clean, disappearing into the back for a few moments.

     "He’s just joking around. He’s not serious or anything,” Ethan said, turning back to look at her.

     "Have you seen the way he looks at you? I guarantee that he’s not just joking. You should just ask him out already!“

     Ethan scoffed. "I can’t just ask him out, I don’t even know his name!”

     "Then ask!“

     "I ask every day!”

     Amy rolled her eyes. “Ask him for real this time.”

     The two were interrupted by the door bell chiming, signaling a customer. Both baristas knew the schedule, knew that there was only one person that came in at this time.

     "Ask him out!“ Amy hissed into her friend’s ear as she retreated into the back, leaving Ethan essentially alone with his favorite customer.

     "Morning!” The man said cheerily, stopping at the counter, smiling brightly at Ethan.

     The barista felt the faintest blush rise to his cheeks. “Morning. What’ll it be?” he asked, knowing full well what his order was.

     "I’ll take whatever you give me,“ the man said with a grin. "Maybe a little somethin’ sweet on the side.” He winked.

     Ethan nearly melted in his shoes. “N-name?” he asked, playing along with their running gag.

     The man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Hmmm…Jim.”

     "Coming right up, Jim.“ Ethan turned around and abruptly ran into Amy, who was standing directly behind him, holding a cup. She had apparently already prepared his coffee as the two were speaking.

     "Do it,” she murmured, shoving the cup into his hand before disappearing once more. Ethan, still a bit started, turned back to the man, handing him the cup.

     "Good service,“ he chuckled, reaching into his pocket with his free hand. "How much do I owe you?”

     Technically he wasn’t supposed to do this, but he’d made the exception a few times (always on the same person) to give them their order on the house. He hesitated, wanting to seem smooth and charming, saying something like, “only a date with me” and winking. Instead, he managed to choke out the word “DATE,” before his eyes grew wide, clamping his hands over his mouth.

     The man was silent for a moment, seemingly stunned, before he burst out laughing. “That’s ah, a little more aggressive that I would’ve expected,” he said, shaking his head lightly.

     Ethan could feel his cheeks burning. “I’m s-so sorry, I -I -I don’t know what came over me, that was inappropriate, I-”

     "I never said no,“ the man interrupted.

     Ethan’s head shot up to look at the man, surprised by his response. "Really?”

     "Yeah, absolutely. I was wondering when you were going to ask. I thought I was going to have to do it myself.“ The man took a swig of his coffee. He grimaced. "Hm. No offense to Amy, but you make it better.” He looked up when Ethan didn’t respond. He was staring at him, smiling, but looked as thought he was in his own world. The man waved a hand in front of his face. “Ethan?”

     That snapped him out of it. “Huh?” He sounded slightly dazed. The man chuckled. “Oh, sorry…” He cut himself off, his dazed look sharpening into a glare.

     The man held his hands up as if in surrender. “What?”

     "I don’t know your name.“

     The man broke out into a shit-eating grin. "You ask for it every day.”

     Ethan shook his head. “I hate you.”

     "That’s not a great thing to say before a first date.“

     Ethan hit the man on the arm playfully. "C'mon, man. Please?”

     The man sighed. “After all these months, now has come the time to reveal my greatest secret. My name…is….Mark.”

     Ethan was silent for a moment, reveling in the feeling of finally, finally getting to know what his name was. “It’s nice to meet you, Mark,” he said, smiling nearly from ear to ear.

     "Shall I give you my number as well? To plan our date?“

     Ethan nodded, still giddy.

     The moment Mark left the shop, Amy squealed from the back, making Ethan jump out of his skin. "You did it!” She was holding her phone, dropping it onto the counter as she wrapped her friend in a hug. “Aww, you have a boyfriend now!”

     Ethan blushed. “It’s just a date,” he mumbled, glancing down at her phone. “Hey,” he said, gently pushing her away. “Were you recording that?!”

     Amy snatched up her phone. “Maybe,” she grinned. “You’ve got to keep the memories. When you guys have been married for twenty years, you’ll want to look back at it. And laugh at how you screamed ‘DATE’ at him,” she giggled, slipping her phone into her pocket.

     Ethan dropped his head into his hands. “Did I really?”

     "You really did,“ Amy laughed. "He must really like you if he still wants to go on a date with you after that.”

     Ethan looked back up at his friend, unable to stifle his smile. “I have a date,” he said.

     "You have a date,“Amy confirmed.

[janeykath318]

The Friendly Merman 4

Jim became more acquainted with his fellow mer patients while looking forward to Bones's next visit. The young Russian mer finally woke up and started looking around and asked where he was in halting standard Mermish. "Laddie, you're in the sea life rehab center until you've put a little meat on those bones. They take very good care of us here," Scotty informed him, between munching on a fat trout. "Who are you, sir?" The pale young man asked. "Montgomery Scott, but everyone calls me Scotty and this dashing fellow is Jim Kirk." He nodded in Jim's direction. 

The older mer spoke up at last. "I'm Chris Pike. Pleased to meet you." "Call me Jim," said Kirk. "I've been wondering when he would ever say anything. He just looks at everyone knowingly and it gives me the crickrom.* Pavel grinned faintly. "It is the look of a wise elder who has seen all and knows much. He is assessing us." "Hmmm." said Jim, eying the elder curiously, noting that he was very hairy on his chest compared to Jim. He hadn't known any mer with that much fur before. Curious. "You remind me of someone I used to know Jim," Pike admitted. "You wouldn't happen to hail from the Kirk clan would you?" Jim looked suspiciously at the greying mer, but he didn't look like he shared in the superstitious attitude towards his family so he nodded. "Yep. I am. Son of George, but don't spread it around. Most folks in these parts see us as bad luck, seeing as how the men always die tragically young, going back to my great-great-grandsire." "That's pure eel-talk*, Jim. Sure your line has had a rough go, but that doesn't mean you should be excluded the way you have and it certainly didn't mean you'd bring misfortune to others. George would have been very disappointed with how you've been treated." "How would you know? Did you know him?" Jim asked, trying not to be resentful. He always envied people who'd known his father, never having met the mer himself. "I did. Our pods were friendly and we tended to migrate together and join forces on hunts. George was a lively guy and one of the nicest mermen I've known. You definitely take after him." "Yeah. Much good has it ever done me." Jim muttered. "No pod would ever have me." "Maybe you can make your own, Jim. Ever thought of that?" Pike suggested. "I haven't met a mer who wasn't already in one," Jim shrugged. "Now you have." The old mer said quietly holding his gaze. "Injured my spine last full moon and I can't keep up anymore, so I'm on my own now." "Abandoned?" It was a sad fact of life that older, or severely injured mers who couldn't swim well were often left behind or removed themselves so as not to endanger the whole pod by slowing them down. Jim had seen plenty of dead mers floating in sea caves where they'd crawled to live out the rest of their lives. "Left voluntarily." Pike said. "Spock found me about a mile from here and brought me in. He's a good guy and this place is very impressive." "It is, indeed!" Put in Scotty. "And yer not the only podless mer around here. I'm a loner as well." "Because you got hurt?" Jim asked. "I caused too much trouble with my experiments. I like to tinker with human wrecks and garbage and the chieftains didn't like that and booted me out." "Yeah. A lot of mers don't like it when one of their own associates with humans," Jim noted. "But when you meet my friend Bones, you'll see the nicest human ever." he swished his tail fin in excitement. Pike smiled at him. "I'll back you up on that, Jim. Dr. McCoy is a very fine human." "So what about you, laddie?" Scotty asked the Russian. "Got a pod hunting for you?" Chekov shook his head sadly. "No. They are dead. The plague was killing them and I was told to flee before I was infected." Jim felt sympathy for the young mer. What a terrible journey that must have been, leaving your home and knowing you could never return and if you did, everyone you knew would likely be dead. Maybe he'd take Pike's advice and start a new pod. Scotty and Chekov seemed like good mers. He was distracted by the arrival of his friend Bones and her little---(what did they call female young again? Daughter?)--offspring, Joanna. Jim sat up straighter and waved delightedly. "Bones! You came back!!" Bones smiled at him, still dressed in what he took to be a doctor's uniform, which meant she'd probably come right from work. "Hi, Jim, you're looking perky today. Feeling better?" She and Jo came up to Jim's cot and looked in on him, Jo looking around wide-eyed at the other mers around the room. "Yes, I am," Jim informed her, showing her how he could move his shoulder freely again. "My tail is still healing, but my shoulder's all better thanks to you." "Good," she said approvingly. "Hi, Mr. Jim," greeted Joanna shyly. "Did you make some new friends?" "I sure did, Joanna," he answered brightly, and proceeded to introduce them to his new acquaintances. Joanna was completely charmed by Pavel and Scotty and soon was over by their cots asking questions like crazy. "She's really crazy about mermen, Jim," the doctor said fondly. "This is like paradise to her, so many of you in one room." Jim grinned. "Glad we could make her happy. She's a nice girl. I haven't seen a young one of either human or mer in a long time. Nobody wants me near their spawn for fear I'll curse them." "Really? That's despicable, Jim. Superstition is a terrible prison--traps people in needless fear and prejudice." "What is pre-ju-dice?" Jim queried, not having learned that word yet. So Leah patiently explained it to him and he frowned. Oh, he had indeed known many prejudiced mers and sirens in his day. They hated each other with a passion, often with no reason. "I think that was why those sirens attacked me," Jim said thoughtfully. "They think mer are weak and stupid." Leah nodded sadly, short brown hair bobbing along. Jim wondered what made it so sleek and shiny. He thought it was very pretty, the way it stopped at her chin and framed her face. "Watcha starin' at, Jim?" She asked, having caught him looking. "You. Your have pretty hair, Bones." Bones looked surprised and turned a little pink. "That's sweet of you, Jim. I try to keep it tame for work to be professional. Off duty, though, it gets kind of messy, which is why I got it cut short after the divorce. Didn't have time to mess with it anymore." "Well, it looks nice," he shrugged, then frowned. "What is a divorce? I heard that word from other humans and it seems to be something bad." So she told him what it was and how her ex-mate had cheated on her with another woman and she'd had to end the marriage. This made Jim angry and sad. He muttered a mermish curse at the name of this wicked Jack human who had hurt Leah. "That's terrible, Bones. Who would ever want to do such a thing to you and Miss Joanna?" "It was a mess, Jim," she admitted. "I'm thankful I got custody of Jo. I don't know what I'd do without her. She's the light of my life." She smiled at her daughter, who was now waving and giggling at the mermaids in the tank, who were busy charming her with their antics. "I can see why," Jim said softly. Joanna seemed to be a happy, loving girl and he could see how she'd be a great comfort for Bones. All too soon, it was time for mer therapy and feeding and the doctor excused herself, citing the need to get Joanna home for supper. "I'll be back in a few days, Jim. I'm working long shifts to cover for my co-worker. Try not to miss me too much." Jim gave a lopsided grin at the teasing. "I'll try not to pine away, Bones. Be safe." "Bye, Jim." She ruffled his hair gently and Jim sighed. "Bye, Mr. Jim!!" Said Joanna, with a wave. "Bye Mr. Pike! Bye, Mr. Pavel!! Bye Mr. Scotty!!" All the mermen waved back as the bouncing young lady was escorted from the premises by her mother. "She's a sweetheart." Pike commented after they were gone. "That she is," Jim agreed, thinking also of Bones and how he'd make the long hours pass until she came again. Crickrom--my pretend mermish word for discomfort or "the creeps" eel-talk= mer slang for nonsense, because  in my sea world headcanon eels are known for being notorious liars

[infinityknight25]

Deadpool vs Joker part one

Gotham city is a dark and very gothic seeming place filled with crime and villains. A place where “ Hi there! It’s me dead pool. Your probably wondering why I’m in Gotham. You see, I stumbled across some magic while in Dr. Strange’s abode and was tinkering with it and wound up traveling from my beloved universe to this one where the live action movies are terrible and the video games and and animated movies are great.” “ Ok Mr. Wilson who are you talking to?” a Gotham city detecive asked. “No one you would understand my rotund civil servant.” “All you super hero and villain types are all crazy I’m writting on your chart that I recommend you be sent to arkham asap.” A knock came at the door of the dimly lit interogating room. A man poked his head in. He was white haired very tired looking with a mustache as white as his hair and hadnt shaved the rest of his face in a few days. “Sergeant I’ll take over from here.” The larger detective seemed flustered as he walked out. The older man walked in he was taller and well built. “My name is James Gordon I’m the comissioner of the GCPD. Would you mind telling me how you came to Gotham?” “ It all started when me and my dog toto were living in this bronze colored world with my aunt and uncle. And I was a hopeful young girl who had issues with a mean old lady who hated me and my dog. One day she tried to take my dog and a horrible tornado came through and picked up our house my dog, the mean old lady and me and…” He dropped his fist onto the metal table showing he had reached his limit. “Why don’t we cut the crap alright. I don’t know how you got here but either way you solicited your mercenary skills to the falcones and succesfully killed Boss Maroni. Now I’m willing to look the other way on both these facts if you are willing to cooperate with my offer. We have a masked vigilante in Gotham known as the Batman. He’s disappeared as of late and we suspect it’s because he’s hurt. But that’s not the main problem right around the time you showed up in Gotham a high profile criminal escaped from Arkham asylum. He is highly unstable with multiple personality dissorder so much even that with some of his personalities not only does his personality change but so does his appearance. He calls himself the joker. Now here’s where you come in. From the short period of time that I’ve known you you’re the only person who is as crazy or crazier than him. ” “I’ll do it not cuz of what you have on me but because if he is as crazy as you say he is it’ll be loads of fun trying to get this Joker guy. Now one question do I need to bring him in alive?“  Commissioner Gordon sat thinking for a moment. ” At this time I don’t care what you do or how you do it. This man’s a menace and has hurt countless people.“ Another knock came at the door "Who is it?” Asked commisioner Gordon. A well dressed man in his mid 30’s being pushed in a wheel chair  by an older gentleman who was in a very fine suit with gray hair and also had a tired look about him but not as tired as the commissioner. The older gentleman’s demeanor suggests a military background. “Sorry James I hope I’m not interrupting something too important.”“ Your fine Bruce I’m almost finished with this. Why don’t you and Alfred wait in the hall and we can catch up in a minute. Actually why are you in wheel chair?” Bruce chuckles “I had a bad skiing accident over in Europe I’ll be in this for the next couple of months.” “Ahem! Yeah hey! Hi. Dead Pool over here remember main character and such?” “Hmmm? Oh yeah Bruce this guy calls himself Dead Pool he was the mercenary that killed Maroni.” Bruce’s facial expressions tried to convey surprise like he had no idea what was going on but Dead Pool could tell other wise. “ Really ? Being out of the country I hadn’t heard much about it. I did hear that the Joker escaped. There was a story about it on the radio while we were on our way over here.” Gordon looks the direction of Dead Pool. “I think we have that situation well under control.” “I see the use of a masked vigilante can prove to be useful” “Okay my silence limiter had just run out you know your talking to Batman right? I mean cmon I bet this guy hasnt been on vacation since he was like fifteen. I bet some bad guy broke his back or something. Was it that super muscle freak who’s missing? Yeah I read the papers I know what” “shut up will yah!!!!” Shouted Gordon. He looks back at Bruce and Alfred. “ Sorry this guy is crazy but I think it will help take down the Joker. And with the Batman missing the extra help finding the Joker can’t hurt right?"  Sitting there thoughtfully Bruce replied "Hmmm no I wouldn’t think it could hurt but is the goal to catch the joker and send him back to Arkham?” “Ha! Catch yeah that’s what I do pointy ears.” “Enough! I’m sick of your mouth one more word out of you and I’ll send you to Arkham. Geez your on crazy son of a.” “Um Jim I’m sure you have evertrying well at hand but if there’s anything I can do to help.” “Actually I could use some more ammunition and maybe some new guns. Oh! A driver I need a ride places can I borrow your butler?!” “Master Bruce if I may this might prove to be an ingenious idea that would provide Dead Pool with a certain inconspicuousness that could help with this mission . I’m sure that he wouldn’t put me in harms way.” “Ha! I mean yeah sure no harm will come to Alfred.”

“Welcome to the munitions wing of Wayne enterprise’s Deadpool.” said Bruce. The munitions wing had several rooms that branches off the main room but it had almost a garage type feeling to the main room it was wide open with a concrete floor. And a few long steel tables throughout.  On one of the tables was a wide array of guns. Pistols, machine guns and high powered rifles. “Oh boy! It’s just like Christmas!” exclaimed Deadpool. “I’ll just take these and some of these.” he said sweeping pistols and machine guns into a duffle bag. “It’s like Batman is my Santa Claus who knew?!” Bruce chuckled. “Come on do you really think that a billionaire in his mid thirties would run around in a suit of black spandex fighting crime. Isn’t that what the police are for?” “Aww so cute you trying to act like your not Batman. Also once this is over I would like to get home to my own universe where our movies rule the box office and our top hero is from the same planet we live on. Here is the magic ritual I used to get here but it won’t work to get me home. Any idea on how I could?” “Hmmm I’ll do some studying on this and get back with you.” Bruce said taking the information from Dead pool. “Sir! Sir!” an employee came in wearing a white Wayne enterprise coat. Presumably a scientist. “You have to come see what’s on the tv.”

“City hall has been attacked and the mayor has been taken hostage as well as several others employed by the city of Gotham.” a female news anchor on the tv said. She was dark haired and appeared to be of German decent. “ Hmmm I bet she smells nice.” said Deadpool. Everyone turned and looked his direction “What?” “Wait I’m getting information now.” The anchor waa listening to someone talking to get through her earpiece. “ The captor has a hold of a news camera and has requested….” suddenly the screen switched to a different camera. It was inside city hall, what appeared to be the mayors office it was dark. Too hard to tell what was going on but you could tell the camera wasn’t focused on anyone. “Ha ha ha ha!” the camera turned to show the joker in the mayors chair as the room got brighter. The Joker was wearing a deep purple suit with with a white shirt and green tie. His hair was slicked back and green. A face white as snow but not from makeup. Lips blood red with scarring around the mouth that looked like he was permanently smiling. But he was smiling as well. “Citizens of Gotham! Your new mayor is ready to make his initial speech.” “Dang I should’ve made some food I never watch good dramatic tv without food. Can we pause this so I can raid the vending machine? Oh I saw one of those frozen vending machines they have chimichangas! I have to have chimichangas!” Dead pool exclaimed. Again everyone turned and looked his direction. “What?” “First I an decreeing that all inmates from Arkham be released immediately. Secondly I am now hiring more city employees. If  no one applies. Well then they will be drafted. Like my new scretary.” The camera turns away from the Joker to a woman sitting on a couch. She was middle aged and had blonde hair. The most notable feature was her bizarre smile. “Joker must have used some sort of Neuro toxin on her. If can get in there and stop Joker we can get to her and whoever else and develop an antidote.” said Wayne. “If my demands aren’t met in 30 minutes. Well then I will blow up city hall with everyone in it.” The camera went through the door in the hallway showing the building lined with explosives. Joker laughed maniacally “Deadpool can you disarm those once your inside?” Bruce asked. “Yeah I would think so. Just incase though we may want there to be some sort of evacuation plan. Alfred I’d say it’s time to go.” They started to head for the door. “To the Wayne mobile.” Deadpool said in a Batman voice.

Our hero and his ride……“Shhhh lemme take over for a while said Deadpool.” “I’m sorry sir did you just shush and then refer to yourself in the third person?” Alfred questioned. “Eh kinda you wouldn’t understand it…..you know it’s a crazy thing.” “Hmmm I see well you and Joker should be well matched then.” “In a deep sounding narrator our hero contiued to tell his own story while he new found companion continued to drive the very fancy limo belonging to Batman….err I mean Bruce Wayne sorry I forget you guys don’t like to give out your "secret identities” Dead pool said notably.“ "My and I thought the Joker was strange.” “The sleek black ultra fancy limo pulled up  outside the ghastly city hall and our hero grabbed his bag of goodies to kill er I mean  to capture the evil Joker. Dead pool said in his deep narrator voice again. Switching back to normal voice now. Thanks Alfred and you know what story teller guy why don’t you take the story telling back for a bit I’m gonna be busy for a tad.”

[juju-on-that-yeet]

The Way Things Are

Prompt: Whumptober Day 31, Embrace

Summary: A quiet, lovely morning in Ego Inc.

Warnings: None!

Tagging: @peribloke @tired-eldritchhorror (ask to be tagged!)

Read on AO3 (Full Whumptober Series)

Enjoy!

~

The egos are a dangerous bunch, and every day, they invite danger.

But there’s humanity in them, too, gentleness, kindness, love.

Early in the morning, a doctor tries to get out of bed and is stopped by the arms of his blind partner, who pulls him back against his chest.

“Host, I have to get up.”

“It’s too early, stay with me.”

“I love you very much, but I have to get up.”

“If you loved me you wouldn’t leave me all alone.”

Quiet laughter.

“If you loved me you would just get up, too, and come with me.”

A considered pause.

“I don’t love you that much, dear.”

Louder laughter that makes even the tired blind man smile.

“I’ll see you later to change your bandages, then.” A kiss, soft and light. “Don’t be late, love.”

“I never am, darling.”

In a different bed, someone slides in, joining the sleeping person already there. The newcomer moves aside the wires on the pillow to crowd close, watch the orange emblem on his partner’s chest glow as he recharges. He cups his cheek and sings to him, slow and quiet, using his partner’s sleeping breaths as a metronome. He gets partway through the song, not noticing his partner beginning to stir.

“Can I go where you go…Can we always be this close…forever and ever and ah, take me out, and take me home…you’re my, my, my, my–”

“Mmph, lover.”

“Oh no, I didn’t mean to wake you up. But also, you took my favorite part, you goof!”

A playful shove, more like a tap, and an answering laugh.

“You didn’t wake me, I’m just done charging. What time is it?”

“Early.” A yawn. “Too early.”

“That checks. I’m gonna chill out here for a while.” He wraps his arms around the other, pulling him so close the glow from his own chest emblem can’t be seen. “Go to sleep, I’ll stay.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you, too, babe.”

In a bathroom upstairs, someone showers, singing to himself as he rinses shampoo out of his red hair.

“If you can't handle a heart like mine, don't waste your time with me, if you're not down to bleed, no, oh…”

He doesn’t register when the other person comes into the room, doesn’t even hear the high-pitched ringing that filters in under the sound of running water. He keeps singing to himself under the spray.

“If you can't handle the choking, the biting, the loving, the smothering 'til you can't handle it no more, no – oh!”

He certainly registers the other person’s presence when he wraps his arounds around him from behind, pulling him into a bare chest, cold skin meeting hot.

“Ohayō, senpai! I’m surprised I woke up before you today.”

The other man hums, letting his head rest atop the shorter man’s, nosing his wet red hair.

“I didn’t sleep much, I’m afraid. I’m hoping a shower might wake me up.”

“Hmm, maybe.” The red-haired man looks up at his partner, smiles and kisses him, hotter than the shower’s steam. “There’s other stuff that can wake you up, you know.”

“Is that so?”

The taller man suddenly scoops up the smaller, flipping him around so they’re face-to-face, and turning around to let the shower spray hit his back instead of his partner’s hair. His partner, for his part, cries out in surprise as he’s manhandled, grabbing the taller’s shoulders as they become slicked with water.

“Eek, Yami, be careful, we’re gonna slip!!” He wraps his legs around his waist anyway.

“We’re not going to slip.” Something smoky and black weaves around him, bracing the pair against the tile. “And this was your idea, love. It won’t be my fault if we do slip.”

“Rude!”

The redhead laughs, kissing his partner again and letting his hands start to wander. His partner does the same, hands sliding over the redhead’s waist, fingers slotting neatly over the two sets of bruises he left there the night before, making the redhead moan.

“Easy, Yami, I’m still sore, ah…” 

“I don’t think this will help with that, dearest one.”

His tone is playful as he whispers against his partner’s lips.

As the morning gets late, a man in a suit gels up his hair in front of a bathroom mirror. Another man in a yellow shirt watches, lamenting.

“Do you have to use hair gel today? It makes your hair all sticky and crunchy and no fun to touch!”

“Yeah, that’s the point. If I want my hair to stay styled for filming all day, I need gel – and I need you to not touch it.”

The man in yellow pouts.

“Bimmyyyyy…”

“Nope, not looking at you. Your puppy eyes aren’t gonna make me late, not today.”

“Biiiiiim…”

“You can fluff up my hair all you want when I’m done filming, sunflower. Be patient!”

The suited man yelps as his partner suddenly scoops him up.

“Hey, put me down! You’re gonna wrinkle my suit!!”

“You’re such a diva.” A soft smile. “You’re like a fancy dog show yorkie, all styled with a little ribbon.”

“I’m not like a yorkie!! That doesn’t make sense! Aren’t you Googles supposed to make sense?”

“Only when we feel like it.”

The man in yellow beams, still holding his partner like he weighs nothing, and kisses him. The suited man kisses back, letting his hands drift to his partner’s hair, relishing the softness.

“So not fair,” mumbles the man in yellow between kisses, “You get to pet my hair all you want.”

“That’s because you never wear hair gel. If you ever did I wouldn’t stop you.” He pulls away, considering. “I bet you’d look really nice with your hair styled. Maybe you could dress up, too, there’s probably a yellow silk tie in the costume department somewhere–”

“Hey, don’t you have to leave?”

“Oh, sure, now you want me to go.” Another laugh, another kiss. “You’d have to let me go for that to happen, though.”

“Hmmm.” A cheeky grin. “I don’t think I wanna do that yet.”

Meanwhile, a set of twins darts around the studio as a moustachioed, pink-haired man directs them.

“Alright, how we lookin’, Jims?”

“Mostly good, Pink Jim!”

“Mostly? Why the “mostly”?”

“Well…” One of the twins rocks on his heels. “You fired your shooty at the lead camera guy yesterday.”

“So?? He was being so rude, with all his “don’t point that thing at me” and “I don’t want to die” nonsense.”

“Maybe, but he can’t film with a shooty pellet in his face, Pink Jim.”

“Ah, I suppose that makes sense. I shot him in the eye, guess he can’t see to film that way.” The man twitches his moustache thoughtfully. “But I promised Bim he’d have a spot in the show today, and if we postpone it, he’ll be pretty annoyed.”

The group is silent for a long moment as they think. Finally, one of the twins begins to reply with his fingers.

“Maybe…I could be the lead cameraman for this? Pretty please, Pink Jim?”

“Yeah, CJ can do it!!”

The twins run up to the pink-haired man, looking up at him with eager, begging puppy eyes. The pink-haired man regards the pair critically.

“You want me to let CJ be the lead cameraman, with no prior notice or training, despite the fact that the majority of his experience lies in filming on the field instead of filming in the studio, and he’s never worked with other camera people on a project before, much less been in charge of a group of them?”

“Yes, please!”

“Yeah, Pink Jim, it’ll be great!!”

A long pause, and then the pink-haired man grins.

“Well sure, I don’t see why not! You two always have such good ideas.” He scoops up both twins in a bear hug, making them laugh. “The other camera people’ll bring you up to speed, CJ, so go get started!”

“Right away! Thank you, PJ!!”

“Get outta here, you rascal!” The pink-haired man laughs as he releases the silent twin, who scampers off to prepare for filming.

“What now, Pink Jim?”

“Go find Bimmy; I made some last-minute script changes we have to go over. What the heck is taking him so long, anyway?”

“Not sure, but I’ll find out!”

“Atta boy!” The pink-haired man lets the last twin go with a robust hair ruffle. “Come back with Bim, and soon, we don’t have a moment to lose!”

Down the hall, a group of androids are running through their morning checklist, when the leader of them lightly clears his throat. The other two, one in green and one in red, look at him.

“So. Oliver’s not here this morning, obviously.”

The younger pair blink in unison.

“…Yes.”

“Right.”

“And…he made me promise to “hug you for him” this morning since he’s not here to do it.”

A long pause. The red-shirted android speaks first, then the green.

“Ew.”

“We really don’t need hugs.”

“I know that.” The leader sighs. “But he insisted, and he’ll definitely know if I lie about doing it. It’s not like we haven’t hugged before.”

“Those were…extreme situations.” The green-shirted android shifts awkwardly, likely remembering one of those extreme situations.

“Are you sure you can’t just…not and say you did?”

“No. Oliver is not that easily fooled, you both know that. So who’s first?”

Another long pause. The leader sighs and moves forward.  

“Fine, both of you then.”

“Hey–”

“Wait–”

The leader grabs them both with one arm each before they can think to run, and pulls them both to his chest. They stay like that for a long moment, both the younger androids frozen, making no movement to hug back. The leader lets them go with a sigh.

“You’re both so dramatic. It wasn’t that bad.”

“Yes it was,” says the android in red, flatly, before walking away. The leader sighs, and the android in green shorts with laughter.

“It really wasn’t,” he admits. “See you later, Google.”

“See you.”

Elsewhere, a masked superhero and a king with peanut butter on his face are finishing a late breakfast in one of the building’s kitchens. The hero, done eating, begins to stand up but stops abruptly, laughing.

“King, uh, I have a buddy sleeping on my lap. What now?”

“Well, now you can’t get up. It’s against my royal decree to wake up a sleeping squirrel.”

“Maybe you could just…pick him up and move him?”

“Disturbing a squirrel without good cause is also illegal.” The king is grinning.

“I have good cause! I have to leave and start my patrol. I’m late enough as it is!”

“Hmmm.” The king ponders, tapping his sticky chin. “Not good enough, sorry. If you remove that squirrel from your lap you’ll be breaking the law.”

“King, c’mon man, I gotta go! I don’t wanna jostle this little guy, but I can’t stay here all day.”

“Why not? We could hang out, Ed can join us, we can just have fun.” The king looks away. “Or you can just leave, and almost die, again.”

“King, please–”

“No, you please! Remember when you got hurt so bad you had to get Roxy to call Dr. Iplier?? You know Dark could’ve found out about it! He still could find out! That was bad, Silver, and it could’ve been a lot worse if you hadn’t been able to get to her place in time.”

There’s a long pause. The hero pets the still-sleeping squirrel on his lap with a gloved hand.

“I’m sorry that happened,” he admits quietly. “But just because I get hurt doesn’t mean I can stop helping people. It’s in my blood, King. It’d be like if I asked you to give up your squirrels.”

“I know.” A sigh. “I just worry about you. You’re my friend, and let’s face it, we’re not as popular as the other egos here. If you ever actually died out there…you might not wake up again.” 

“I know, but…but I’ll consider it worth it if I’ve died saving people.”

A pause. The hero nudges the squirrel still in his lap and laughs quietly, awkwardly.

“How is this little fella sleeping through all this?”

The king snorts.

“How big is the squirrel on your lap, exactly? I can’t see them from here.”

“Kind of enormous, honestly. Like two squirrels at once.”

“Ah, that’ll be Clarence. He can sleep through anything.”

The pair share a chuckle, then the hero pauses.

“Wait a minute!” he gasps, “If he can sleep through anything, then I can move him without disturbing him!”

“Oh. That’s…true.”

The hero laughs, and after a moment, the king can’t help but join in.

“Alright, alright, get Clarence off your lap. I’ll issue a royal pardon.”

“Thanks, man.”

The hero carefully lifts the squirrel off his lap with one hand as he stands up, placing him on the table. The squirrel curls up, still asleep, as the hero moves to put his dishes in the sink. The king stands too, following.

“Don’t worry about me.” The hero looks toward the king. “I’ll be alright.”

“You better be.” The king gives the hero a quick, one-armed hug. “I’ll see you when you get back, then. That’s a royal order.”

“Well shoot, now I have to come back.” The hero gives a cheeky grin.

The king shoves his shoulder playfully.

“Go save the world already, doofus.”

“Will do! See you later, King. I mean that.”

“See you.”

Finally, in the nursery, a man in a cowboy hat watches a nervous young man holding a baby. His arms are prepared to catch the baby if the young man drops her, but he doesn’t seem nearly as worried about it as the young man is.

“A-Are you sure I’m doing it r-right, Mr. Edgar?”

“Just Ed is fine, kid. And yes, you’re doin’ peachy. Annabelle ain’t even woke up yet, see?”

“I g-guess so.”

The young man rocks the baby cautiously, slowly. Despite himself, he smiles.

“She’s r-really cute.”

“Yep. Her mama brought her to me.”

“Oh no, wh-why?”

“She was only a teenager, and the dad was long gone.” The man in the cowboy hat sighs. “She couldn’t get help from her family, they were barely making ends meet as it was.”

“That’s s-so sad.” The young man tears up, looking at the tiny baby in his arms. “That’s not f-fair for her o-or her mom.”

“Most of the kids here ain’t had fair lives either.” The older man looks at the younger. “You ain’t had a fair life either, if I recall.”

The young man cringes slightly, curling in, self-conscious.

“I-I-I mean, I g-guess…b-but I mean, I’m not…I’m n-not a baby.”

“Nah, you ain’t a baby. But don’t make it fair.”

The young man looks down, staring through the child in his arms. The older man sighs again.

“Ya know, the sooner you accept that you didn’t deserve your cards, the sooner you’ll be able to shuffle the deck and grab new ones.”

A long pause.

“I-I don’t hate my dad. I d-don’t think I could. It feels like everyone w-wants me to, b-but I don’t.”

“I don’t think Annabelle hates her mama, either. That don’t make her situation fair.”

A long pause. The older man claps the shoulder of the younger.

“I keep tellin’ you this stuff all the time, huh? Sorry about that, kid. I’m just…waitin’ for you to figure it out, I guess.”

“Y-Yeah.”

“I ain’t no psychologist, but I’ll do my best to help ya out.”

“Y-Yeah. Um, can I p-put Annabelle down n-now?”

“Sure, right back in her crib, like I showed you before.” 

The young man lays the sleeping baby back in her crib, and she doesn’t so much as twitch as she’s put down. When he stands, he walks into the older man’s chest, putting his arms around him. The older man sputters a little in surprise, but recovers enough to hug back.

“You alright, kid?”

“I’ll figure it out. Eventually. It’s…it’s j-just hard.”

“I bet.” The older man squeezes the younger. “You’ll get there, you’ll figure out you’re a good kid one of these days.”

“Yeah.”

It’s an awkward, sad, strange moment, but neither pulls away for many moments.

Ego Inc. is plagued with awkward, sad, strange moments. But in them all is something sweet, after them all comes fun, love, kindness.

The bizarre family that is the egos is, through it all, still a family.

[cobblepot-comfort]

The Rescue

Chapter 4 - Cop Loves Cobblepot; Cobblepot Loves Cop - AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/19704580/chapters/46632031

“You have blue eyes, Jim.  Lovely, deep, soulful blue eyes.  I fell in love with them as soon as they met mine.”

Oswald had definitely had worse days than this - and so had Jim.

They were sitting close together on the bed, Oswald propped up on an abundance of pillows with a pillow underneath his damaged leg to support it.  Jim had given Oswald his extra strength pain killing tablets - as well as a therapeutic leg rub - so his charge was feeling exceptionally mellow and relaxed.

Jim had a boyish, contented smile on his face that Oswald definitely wanted to see more of,  and so he had felt honour bound to heave his heart into his mouth and share the beauty that he looked upon now.

The look of love was in his lover’s eyes and it suited him so well....he looked so adorable, Oswald had feelings he just didn’t want to control.  Or hide.  Not any more.

“Ahhh - Ozzy.  That’s - well, beautiful.”   Jim glanced away for a moment and cleared his throat.

“Well, YOU are beautiful, James, so it’s very apt!  I swear, I still don’t quite understand what you are doing here with me, like this - in this very romantic situation.  I mean, really, Jim,” Oswald frowned,  tightly interlacing his fingers in front of him on the covers, “what the hell possessed you to fall for an ugly freak like me?”

Jim looked at Oswald in disbelief.  Oswald experienced a sharp intake of breath as Jim’s blue irises swiftly turned to black. 

“Oswald - don’t EVER say that about yourself again!” Jim berated, his eyes flashing like two big black diamonds.

Oswald locked gazes with Jim for a moment,  hypnotised by the power of his stare.

Then he sighed heavily, closed his eyes and hung his head.

“I’m sorry Jim,” he said.  He pursed and flexed his lips thoughtfully.

Then he raised his head and looked at Jim with eyes that were glassy with emotion.   

“Jim - dear,” he began tentatively, “it’s difficult for me not to repeat what other people have said to me, especially as they did so more than once.  I’m afraid I can’t help it.”

Jim’s face relaxed.  “Ahhh, Ozzy,” he sighed.  “I’m sorry.”

He came forward and pressed his forehead to Oswald’s, clasping his hands around his face tenderly.  Oswald closed his eyes and swallowed hard.

“Oswald - sweetheart - listen to me -  those other people were - and are - idiots,” Jim said in a low, rasping voice.  “They had no  business saying those things to you.   They’re cruel words, and what’s more,  Ozzy, they are just not true.  You are frickin’ BEAUTIFUL,  sweetheart, and the people who said those things are just ASSHOLES!”  He lifted Oswald’s face and kissed him passionately.

Oswald’s eyes filled up with tears that refused to be quelled.

“Oh - James.  James, look what you did to me - I’m a mess!”  he sniffed, pulling away and wiping his eyes frantically.  

“Damn, where is my silk square when I need it….” he floundered.

“Here, sweetheart,”  Jim dug out his own handkerchief and thrust it into Oswald’s shaking hand.  “I know it’s not silk, but it IS clean!  I’m sorry I made you cry.”

“Thank you honey!  And please don’t apologise, these are HAPPY tears,” Oswald smiled, furiously dabbing away at his eyes and cheeks and wiping his nose.  The cotton was soft and soothing - not as luxurious as his silk, but it still felt lovely to his wet, sore skin.  And it smelt of Jim…his glorious scent was all over it.  How could he not be comforted by that?

“Hey, sweetheart - come here,” Jim said softly, and he came forward and pulled Oswald into his arms. Oswald reciprocated eagerly.

“Phew.  Well, I’m glad I didn’t upset you,”  Jim sighed, rubbing Oswald’s back rhythmically. “I just get angry when I hear that people have hurt you, mentally or physically. I guess I’m really starting to take it personally!”  

Oswald gave him a little squeeze.  “Thank you,” he murmured.

At that moment, he was reminded of the time when Jim had saved him from being put on a meat slicer by that thug Maroni - just by telling the truth and backing up his story.  When the danger had passed, Oswald had made sure to mouth his thanks to Jim when Maroni wasn’t looking.  That had been a sweet, fleeting moment of understanding between them.

Of course, he now knew that there had been more to that deed than just altruism.  If only he had figured that out at the time!  

But better late than never ...they were together now, and that was all that mattered.

Oswald wallowed in the smell of Jim’s warm, smoky vetiver scent and the feel of his lover’s warm body against his.  This was heaven on earth and he didn’t want to come down.

Jim’s handkerchief was still clutched tightly in his hand.  He wouldn’t let go of that in a hurry, he would make sure to tuck it inside his pillowcase when he was alone.

“Oh, James,” Oswald sighed, pressing his lips gently against Jim’s shoulder.  “I could stay here like this all night!”

“Awwww.  Ditto!”  Jim pressed his lips to Oswald’s crown,  burying his nose in his lover’s soft dark hair.  

“But Ozzy, you and I need to eat.  I’m getting hungry and I’m sure I heard your stomach rumbling  once or twice too!”

“Ah, Jim, you heard it!  Well then there’s no denying, I am feeling rather peckish, now you come to mention it.  Ha!  Peckish, do you get that?”

Jim rolled his eyes. “Uh-huh!” he groaned good humouredly. 

“Well, that’s as good as I get on an empty stomach, Jim dear.”

Jim heated up a can of chicken soup for Ozzy and ordered a pepperoni pizza for himself.  

“A  real balanced diet!”  as Oswald remarked, with a cheeky chuckle.

Jim  really wished that he could cook.

Oswald offered to cook a meal for them both once he was back on his feet again. (“After all, I used to work in a kitchen, remember - and my mother taught me to cook her own recipes too ...although of course I could never quite reproduce them as well as she could….”)

He had taken away Oswald’s empty bowl, and the plate with the remaining crumbs of the many  slices of buttered toast he’d also wolfed down with gusto.

“Your appetite is getting better,” Jim remarked with approval.  “But I’m sorry I’m not a great cook, Ozzy”

“Oh, I know you more than make up for that with other skills,” Oswald smiled meaningfully.

Earlier:

Jim warmed up the soup for Oswald’s supper and made slices of toast thickly spread with butter to go with it.

“Mmm, Jim - is that chicken soup I smell?”  Oswald enthused, his big blue eyes widening with excitement.

"Yes it  is -  I know how much you love that.”  Jim sat down on the edge of the bed and placed the tray down carefully. 

“Oh yes, I do - ah, just a moment - how do YOU  know that?  I’m certain that I’ve never mentioned it to you, my dear.”

“Ah, hum - well, I heard you muttering in your sleep, “Yes, chicken soup please mother….I love your chicken soup.”

“Oh.” Oswald smiled sadly.  “So, I talk in my sleep.  I never knew that!   That’s me caught out then.  Ha!  Hmmm. Well, let’s face it, honey - why would I know that, no-one was around to hear me before.    Yes, you're right - it was my favourite - well, next to her goulash that is.”

“I’m sorry it’s not as good as your mom’s Ozzy.  It’s only out of a can.”  Jim shrugged.

“That’s perfectly all right, Jim - you are serving it, and that's all that matters.  It will taste delicious because you are giving it to me.”  

“Awwww  - hey, Ozzy.  That’s a lovely thing to say!”

Oswald grinned, plunged the spoon into the creamy broth, raised it up like a trophy and then slurped it eagerly, making yummy noises and giving the thumbs up to demonstrate his point.  

“Oh Jim, this soup is delicious - really!  Jim, I’m so happy you’re here with me and I’m grateful that you are looking after me like this.  No-one did that for me before, well, apart from my mother, and she’s….”  he tailed off, tears coming to his eyes.

“Hey, Ozzy ...I'm sorry…I shouldn’t have mentioned your mother.   Now you’re upset….”

“No, no, it’s ok Jim, I’ll be fine.  I like to talk about my mother.  It keeps her alive in a way, you know?”  Oswald sniffed and blinked away his tears. Then he spooned more soup into his mouth and bit into a slice of toast.  “Mmmm, this is great!” he smiled.

“Good, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.  Anyway -   you know you can talk to me about her - about anything - any time, don’t you Ozzy?”

“Yes - of course Jim.  Jim - I  hope your pizza will be getting here soon, I feel bad eating in front of you when you have nothing.  Here, have a bite of my toast, then I will feel better.”

“It's ok sweetheart, it should be here soon.  I have to allow half an hour for delivery and it’s only been 20 minutes. I can wait.   And - anyway, Oswald...when we’ve finished eating, I want to talk to you about something.”

“Oh?  This sounds very serious Jim.”

“Well, it is - it’s just something we have in common, it can wait til later, but I felt it would be good to share.”

“This is something in addition to our hatred for Galavan and his sister?” Oswald ventured.

“Yes, Ozzy - as well as that.”

“And our love for Gotham, our city of birth?”

“As well as that, too.”

“And being into guys? Well, one guy in particular! I mean, each other *giggle*"

“Yep.”  Jim kissed his lover tenderly. "One guy in particular, cos I am very particular!"

“Awwww Jim!  You are being so charming to me, do keep it up dear!  But Jim, you have me intrigued.”  Oswald put down his spoon and folded his arms.  “I want to know now, Jim.  What else do we have in common that you haven’t shared yet?”

“No, Oswald  - after supper. Your soup will get cold.”

“You can put it in the microwave.  Seriously, James - please tell me!  I want to know. You can’t leave me dangling like this.”

“Well - OK then - if you insist.  Oswald - I know what it’s like to have someone I love die in front of me - unlawfully.  My father was killed in a hit and run accident.  I was there with him - I was just a kid at the time.  I witnessed the whole thing.”

Oswald’s face crumpled.  His lower lip began to tremble.

“Oh - Jim!  Jim, that must have been terrible for you!  Darling - here, take the tray away please, never mind the soup - I want to hold you, right now….”  

“I’m so sorry, Jim,” Oswald said gently, as he took Jim into his arms, cuddling him as if his life depended on it.  

“I’m sorry too,” Jim softly replied, speaking into Oswalds neck.  “I’ll make sure Galavan goes down for what he did  - and his sister too -  that’s a promise.” He rubbed Oswald’s back gently.

“Murdering bitch, Tabitha!” Oswald growled, with a sob in his voice. “Yes, Jim - they both have to pay!”

“Shhh, they will, baby, don’t worry.” Jim kissed Oswald’s crown.

“Baby?  Did you just call me baby, Jim?”

“Ah, yes I did, didn’t I?”

Later:

Jim studied Oswald with quiet concern.   He asked him if he was feeling better.

“Yes, thank you, Jim, much better.  I do apologise for breaking down, I know it’s silly, I’m a grown man for God’s sake…..”

“No, it’s not silly.  You just got emotional, there’s nothing wrong with that.  Besides, Oswald,” Jim added meaningfully, “I have no doubt that you’re a grown man - I’ve seen the evidence!”

Oswald’s eyes and mouth opened wide with curiosity. ���Erm - what?” he faltered.

“Ha, there you go,  Cobblepot - your bewildered look.  It looks sexy, did you know that?  No, of course you didn’t.  You’re too modest, we both know that.”

“Er….Jim….thank you, that’s very flattering, but all this is very sudden.   All these compliments, I mean...and, now you say you have evidence?  What evidence?  And evidence of what, exactly?”   

“Evidence to support your claim that you’re a grown man.  You are clearly well and truly grown up, Oswald.  Very grown up!”

“Oh!”  Oswald said.  He blushed.

“Awww, look at you,  going pink.  Don’t be bashful, Oswald. You’re very blessed.   I couldn’t help but notice when I washed you ...when you were unconscious, and weak  - I mean, you obviously couldn’t be expected to wash yourself ...”

“You saw ...you washed my....private parts?!  While I was asleep?!” 

“Well, I didn’t want you getting bed sores.   And I wasn’t going to ask Lee to do it!  I tried not to look, but..well…...”  Jim stopped and shrugged.

Oswald turned a deep shade of puce.

“Awwwww - Ozzy, come on,  it’s something you should be really proud of.  And I think I am one lucky sonofabitch!”

“I’m not embarrassed,  Jim,” Oswald interrupted hurriedly,  “You just - took me by surprise, that’s all.  I know I’m big,  it’s something I’ve never really thought much about before though.  I mean, I never thought anyone would get to appreciate it - or enjoy it!”

“Well - with your kind permission, I would love to get to appreciate AND enjoy it!”

“Of course Jim, that goes without saying!  YOU can do with me what you wish. I trust you.  And I hope I’ll get to enjoy yours too - very soon.”  He smiled coyly.

“You will - and when you’re feeling stronger, I’ll make love to you, Oswald. I promise you.  You can’t know how much I’m looking forward to making you mine.  But we need to take things slowly, especially as you’re not fully healed yet.”

“I know,  James -  but I wish we didn’t have to wait….”

“Well, we’ll make it worth waiting for...and, after all, sweetheart - you know there are still other things we can do in the meantime….”

“Oh Jim, yes, of course there are! Shall we start now?”  Oswald’s hand started to wander south on Jim’s body.

Jim quickly caught his hand, squeezing it gently.

“Whoa mister - not yet, don’t get me started - supper first, ok?  We have to keep up our strength, right?”

“OK Jim  - but afterwards…?”

“Yes, afterwards…..after our appetiser, we’ll start on the entree!”

“Oh Jim, I can hardly wait for the first course to be finished….”

Much later - when Oswald was healed and ready:

Afterwards

“Well - I think we managed that, didn’t we, sweetheart?”

“Yes my dear - my own Jim!  We managed that a lot more than ok!”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“How could I not?  With you, Jim?  It was meant to be.”

“Awwwww. Thank you Ozzy.  Yes, it was meant to be wasn’t it?”

“Yes, Jim. Erm, Jim?”

“Yes, Ozzy?”  Jim looked at Oswald with a mellow post-coital smile.

“Erm, can I ask you a personal question?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Ask me anything.” Jim gently stroked Oswald’s bare arm distractedly.

“Thank you, Jim.  Jim - darling - I was just wondering - when did you find out - I mean, how long have you known - and how did you know - that you were into guys, as well as ladies I mean?  And - and - I have to ask you this - has there been anyone else? Any other men, I mean?”

“Well, Oswald, I can’t lie to you.  There was someone else.  Kind of, anyway - but not in the same league as you.  And - nothing like we just shared ...” 

“Ahhh.  Thank you Jim!  But..who, and when, and how? I’m sorry honey, I just have to know.”

“Well, if you really want to know Oswald - my first, what you would call awakening was back in the army, a long time ago.  I mean, I’d had suspicions that I was attracted to other guys, but wasn’t sure.  Then this one guy - Eduardo - he came on to me, when we were on manoeuvres and paired off together.  He pulled me behind a tree where there was no-one around and asked me for a kiss.  He said he thought I was gorgeous and hoped I felt the same way as he did.

“He was handsome and I felt flattered, so I let him kiss me.  And then afterwards, we started fooling around in secret - any chance we got to be alone, which is no mean feat in the army, but we managed it!  Where there’s a will there’s a way, right?  Eduardo - he told me he knew right away about me - he had a sixth sense, he said.”

“Eduardo?  Hmmm, sounds exotic,” Oswald commented scathingly.  “Sorry, Jim,” he continued more levelly,  “I digress, I didn’t mean to interrupt your flow.  Jim - I feel compelled to ask - how, erm, far did you actually go with him?”

“Well, we didn’t go,  erm,  all the way.  But - we did do oral though...hey, do you mind me sharing this?” Jim paused, as he saw Oswald’s nose wrinkle with distaste.

“No, sorry, of course not Jim -  I want to know, please carry on,” Oswald apologised, straightening his  face.

“OK  - well, he was kind of the dominant one, he knew I was - well, inexperienced, and he made me do stuff to him, practice makes perfect he used to say.  I mean he pushed me down on my knees more than once, demanded things ...erm, you know ...then he did them to me, as a ‘reward’, he said, for being good to him.”

“Oh, Jim, he sounds terrible!” Oswald interjected, reaching out and taking Jim’s hand. 

Jim smiled gratefully.  “It’s ok,” he said.  “I can talk about this now.”

  “Then,” he resumed,  “one day he tried to talk me into being penetrated, and I almost gave in - but there was something about him that made me stop - and question what I was doing with him - and then I ended the relationship.  It just didn't feel right somehow.  

“He didn’t take it well - but anyway, that was it, we were over.”  Jim stopped and a dark expression came to his eyes.

“Are you ok, Jim?” Oswald asked anxiously, reaching out and gently caressing Jim’s jaw with his finger. “He sounds like a brute, and he made you do things you quite clearly weren’t comfortable with.”

“Yeah, I’m fine, like I said it was all in the past. I doubt I’ll see him again.” Jim’s eyes ignited at the feel of Oswald’s touch.

“But if he hurt you, my dear, I would still like to do something about it.  Hunt him down and punish him for daring to abuse my beautiful lover.” Oswald pulled Jim into a gentle kiss.  “I love you Jim, and I would do anything to protect you - and avenge you too.”

“I know you would Ozzy,”    Jim grinned,  his eyes becoming even brighter with the feel of Oswald’s lips on his.  “And I love you too, and would do anything to protect you, as you know.  But - no, sweetheart, there’s no need to do anything about it.   I’m over him, and I didn’t give him the chance to hurt me!  And what’s more, he is just not worth the effort.  Of course, I ended up watching my back afterwards - in more ways than one!””  he added meaningfully.  

“But anyway, that’s not important ,” he smiled, “I’m with you now.”  

He came close and kissed Oswald tenderly.  

“I’m even more convinced now that I made the right decision.”

Jim had held back on the whole story, for fear that Oswald would feel honour bound to take retribution on his ex boyfriend - who Oswald had rightly described as a brute.

What really happened was that Eduardo had come just short of raping him, but luckily he had been too quick and  strong and  had fought him off - given him a bloodied nose and more than one bruised rib from kicking and punching like his life depended on it - which he was sure was no exaggeration. He had then read him the riot act and ditched him on the spot.

Eduardo had wiped the blood from his nose, his eyes full of fury.

“You’ll regret rejecting me, “ he’d growled savagely.  “I promise you that.  This isn’t over yet, you faggot.”

“You’ll have to catch me first,” Jim had retorted, and made off as fast as he could.

Eduardo hadn’t managed to catch up with him yet.  He hoped he never would.

He hadn’t made good on his threat, but this experience had put Jim off those kind of relations for a good while...a long time in fact, and he’d not entertained the idea of being with another man - not until now.  

But now he’d found someone special, someone to love, the process of lovemaking would be gentle, and gradual, careful and full of tenderness. He would see to that.

And it had been beautiful, and had felt right, and he had looked into his lover’s fabulous face with his misted eyes and pretty open lips and felt love overflow from his heart and escape from his body.  He’d felt Oswald tremble in his arms, heard his voice confirming in no uncertain terms that he’d reached his climax for the first time - that he belonged to Jim now, and was no longer a virgin.

And he’d panted, gasped, groaned, breathed “I love you,” felt his lover’s heartfelt sighs, returning his sentiment and whispering his name as they rapidly, breathlessly came back down to earth in each other’s arms.

“Yes Jim.  It makes perfect sense.  You saved AND guarded your virtue and kept it back especially for me!  I’m flattered.” Oswald stroked Jim’s cheek tenderly, overjoyed at the boyish smile his touch produced.

“Well, you saved yourself for me, too.  That makes me feel very special.”

“Yes, I did, Detective - and yes you ARE special, you were my first in every way, and will be my last, and I am glad too, that it was you.  Very glad!  Come here ...please…..my dear, I want another kiss….”

Jim didn’t need a repeat invitation....

[cobblepot-comfort]

The Rescue Chapter 2- Well, This is Awkward!

Well, This is Awkward!

Oswald had never been the most patient person.

He really shouldn’t have tried to get out of bed before he was ready.

Jim warned him that he should be careful.  

“You have extensive injuries, Oz,” he’d told him. “You still need to take it easy.”

But oh no - Oswald Cobblepot always knew best.  The Penguin’s stubborn pride always got the better of him.

Before Jim could stop him he had flung back the covers, swung out of bed and started to hobble forward unsteadily.

He didn’t get far, of course.

It was fortunate that Jim happened to have come back into the room - after a ‘comfort break’  he just couldn’t put off any longer - and was two steps ahead of him, catching him before he could hit the floor.  Oswald fell straight into Jim’s embrace, surrendering reluctantly and slumping heavily inside his arms.

“Now - will you listen to me Cobblepot?” Jim growled, hoisting Oswald up and back onto the bed with a groan.

“Jim ...I ...just wanted…..to…..”

“Kill yourself?”

“Ha ha!  No...I...”

Oswald’s speech was cut short as he gasped in pain, his breath taken from him.  He found out it still hurt pretty badly when he laughed.

“Oh Oswald, you see what you did?!  Now be quiet and take it easy! That’s an order.”

Jim lifted Oswald’s legs back into bed and pulled the covers over him,  tucking him up inside. 

He put his hands on either side of the supine figure, trapping him inside the sheets.  His helpless captive glared back at him indignantly.  

“Fine!” he sighed tetchily, rolling his eyes and tightening his lips.

“That’s the way.  Now - I’m calling Lee,” Jim said firmly.

“No, Jim!” Oswald protested crabbily. “I’m perfectly all right!”

“Listen to me!  You could have torn your stitches.  And you could get an infection. For God’s sake Ozzy...what am I going to do with you?”

“Oh  - erm - Jim…” Oswald ventured coyly.

“What?!” Jim snapped impatiently.

“You just called me ‘Ozzy’.”

Jim floundered for a second.  “Oh - erm - did I?” he said, as casually as he could.

“Yes, James.  You did.” Oswald peered up at Jim with a new glint of mischief in his eyes.

 “Well ...it must just have been a slip of the tongue.  You were really ticking me off y’know. Don’t go reading anything into it.”

“Hmmm.  A slip of the tongue, you say?”  Oswald replied smoothly, raising his ebony brows and glancing over Jim suggestively.  He ran his own tongue over his lips thoughtfully.

Jim felt himself weaken.  That moist, pink tongue....wetting those sweet, sensuous lips….

”Damn you Cobblepot !” he thought. “You provocative bird-haired beauty!”

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly to regain his composure.  

“Well anyway - whatever it was,”  he resumed sternly, “I’m calling Lee NOW…and don’t move a muscle without asking me first, OK?”

Oswald smiled sweetly and fluttered his lashes.  “Oh, Detective. So masterful!” he said silkily.

“Ha ha!  Seriously, Oswald -  just stay put, don’t move and TRY to behave yourself while I make this call…”

Jim turned away and began tapping in Lee’s number, trying hard to fight his arousal….

Soon afterwards….

Dr Thompkins arrived promptly, exchanging brief glances with Jim.  His look was apologetic and hers was longsuffering - quelle surprise.

“I’m sorry - but he would try and get out of bed….”

“I thought you were supposed to be watching him!”  Lee reprimanded through gritted teeth.  

She was filling up the syringe with strong anaesthetic, in preparation for Oswald’s emergency surgery.   Torn stitches! He could well start to lose blood again and get an infection ... the crazy fool! Antibiotics next, just to be on the safe side….

She could hardly believe she was doing this for a depraved sociopath like Oswald Cobblepot.  

What with Jim’s insane, inexplicable crush on this gangster (which he didn’t seem to realise she knew about) and now this - it was a wonder she didn’t go mad herself….

But as Jim had said - when all was said and done, this criminal was still a human being.  She had to treat him just like any other patient in her care. And Jim clearly saw something in him that she and a whole load of other people didn’t.

She just hoped he wouldn’t come to regret this act of kindness. If Cobblepot helped put away Galavan - well, that would be something...but that’s if they could trust him, which somehow, she doubted….

“I know, I know - but I had to go to the bathroom, I told him to stay put.  I was only gone a minute - but he’s so damn stubborn!”

There was angst and remorse as well as exasperation in Jim’s tone and expression.   Lee thought maybe she’d been a little too harsh. He was always having to apologise for something, and she had to admit that he wasn’t always to blame. He seemed to be completely under the crime lord’s spell.

“Ok, never mind,” she shrugged, “All that matters is that we put this right - ok?”  She smiled and placed her hand on Jim’s arm in a placating gesture.

Jim’s face relaxed and he smiled appreciatively.  “Thanks,” he rasped. “Look - Lee, I really appreciate this…”

“Yes Jim, so you already told me, you don’t have to keep thanking me!” she laughed dismissively.

Just then a weak but urgent cry summoned their immediate attention.

“Erm..Hello?  Excuse me! Miss - erm I mean Dr, Thompkins?  I....seem to be bleeding again….”

It was touch and go.  

Oswald had broken a lot of stitches.   Lee had to work fast.

Jim sat beside him, holding his hand reassuringly,  while Lee quickly but carefully injected him. 

The drug she administered was a potent narcotic - designed to work fast in making the patient feel calm, sleepy and comfortably numb.

Oswald’s eyes started to glaze, and his grip on Jim’s hand began to relax.  Jim took Oswald’s hand in both of his, keeping a firm but gentle hold and stroking Oswald’s palm soothingly with his thumb.

“That - feels nice,” Oswald sighed drowsily.  He looked up at Jim and their gazes locked, Oswald struggling to keep his drooping eyelids open and maintain his focus on Jim’s face.

“That’s it, Oswald - don’t fight it, just go to sleep.  You’ll feel better when you wake up….”

Lee began to load her needle with surgical thread.

“Jim,” Oswald gasped, his grip suddenly tightening around Jim’s hand. 

“Hey, now, take it easy Oz, Lee’s not going to hurt you…she’s just going to mend your…..”

“No ...not that ...I.. want you Jim,” Oswald panted urgently, blinking frantically.  

“Erm, heh,”  Jim laughed awkwardly, aware that his face must have gone a deep shade of puce. He was embarrassed for sure, but that wasn’t all….he also couldn’t avoid going hard in a very personal place….

 “Now, calm down Oswald -  just relax and go to sleep,”  he resumed levelly, stroking Oswald’s hand rhythmically.

“Yes....Jim ...darling….” Oswald murmured.   He gave Jim a sweet little smile and his eyes flickered closed.

Jim’s heart skipped a beat.

This was awkward!

Hearing Oswald say he wanted him and then calling him ‘darling’ overwhelmed him - but he could have waited until they were alone!

He tried to tell himself that it was the medication talking, not Oswald.   And that’s what he chose to tell Lee, playing it down as much as he could.

Jim could see that Lee was as unconvinced as he was - although her lips agreed, her eyes told a totally different story.  He knew his face was still blushing and his own eyes must clearly give him away.

Lee was both professional and compassionate.  He had always known that and these were among the qualities he admired the most about her.  They had made him fall for her and believe that she might be ‘the one’.

But that was before he’d been forced to acknowledge his true feelings for the other ‘raven haired beauty’ in his life.  

The natural beauty with the devil’s eyes now lay here on his sickbed - but he was not so helpless when seducing Jim with his wicked, winsome ways.   For a moment, Jim wondered what the hell he was doing here.

But then he remembered why.

The comatose person in the bed wasn’t the Penguin, notorious crime lord.    He was Ozzy, a human being with a heart and soul, and the most beautiful, bewitching face he had ever beheld.  Now this human needed Jim’s love, support and protection - as well as justice - all of which he was damn well going to get if this detective had anything to do with it.

Jim held onto Oswald’s hand while Lee dutifully and efficiently stitched him up.

He made out that Oswald still hadn’t loosened his grip - but in truth it was Jim who didn’t want to let go.

“Well - that was tricky.  He tried his best to undo my good work. You’d think he had a death wish!” Lee observed, once she had finished stitching and applying clean bandages. 

“But he should be ok now,” she added quickly, seeing Jim’s alarmed expression.  His face had gone from a deep shade of red to a whiter shade of pale in an instant.  

“I’ll just give him some antibiotics in case of infection.  But he’ll be fine now, don’t worry.”

“Ah - good,” Jim sighed, feeling the colour return to his face and the breath to his body.  “That’s great, Lee, thanks again!”

“No problem, Jim,”  Lee answered brightly.  “And...Jim, please, make sure you look after yourself too.  Um, you know, I’m running out of excuses for why you’re not turning in to work.  They are bound to start to suspect something…”

“Naaa, it’s ok.  Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.  If anyone asks, just say I’m out of town following up leads on Galavan - which of course I sort of am…..”   Jim smiled sheepishly.

“OK, whatever,” Lee shrugged.  “Well, anyway Jim, I’d better be going now ... actually, maybe you should come down with a very bad dose of the flu.   I’ll tell Harvey, he’ll spread the word - and if he texts you or calls again, I suggest you lay it on thick. That should buy you some more time.”

“Thanks Lee.  Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.  Once Oswald starts getting up and about I can start coming in again.  I just don’t want to leave him yet - not while he’s still like this.”  

“Yeah, sure.”

“Thanks for understanding.  And, Lee...erm, if you hear anything more on the search for Oswald’s mother, please let me know.”

“Of course.”

After Lee had gone, Jim went back to the bedside and sat there for a while,  staring down at his charge.

He obsessively watched Oswald’s chest rise and fall until he was satisfied that he was continuing to breathe normally and regularly.

Jim sighed with relief.

“You see what trouble you’re causing, Cobblepot?” he rasped, tenderly smoothing Oswald’s unkempt raven locks away from his face and pulling the covers up around him.  “Still - you’re worth it,” he added more softly.

They were alone now.  He was free to express what he felt at last.

He bent down and pressed his lips gently to Oswald’s forehead.  “I love you,” he said quietly.

Then he sat up and stretched himself, groaning and yawning with exhaustion.   It wa sonly then that he realised how tired he had become.

His feet were aching, his head hurt and his body was stiff from lack of sleep.

He sighed heavily and unlaced and removed his shoes, then unbuttoned his shirt collar, ready for another restless session in the chair beside the bed. 

Then he thought, why not get more comfortable - and also give Oswald more comfort in the process?

So he climbed carefully up onto the bed.  He moved in close to Oswald and put his arm across him protectively.

Jim wondered how Oswald might react if he woke up to find his police detective friend lying  there next to him. If he asked him what he was doing there, Jim knew he wouldn’t be afraid to tell him why - not any more.  Life was just too short.

Besides -  keeping Oswald warm and helping him to heal, physically and emotionally,  was his main priority.  

But he didn’t realise that this was a two way street - Oswald had always been one to return a favour.   

Jim soon fell into a sound sleep - soothed by the pacifying presence of the one he truly loved.

[cobblepot-comfort]

Christmas Angels Part 2

This chapter was inspired by the work of @random-fandom-art.  Mild suggested smut at the end:

Christmas Angels Part 2

“I hope you like cranberry sauce, Ozzy.”

Jim had taken responsibility for roasting the turkey and preparing the trimmings, while Oswald, with his dexterous hands, was making pastry for the apple pies.  He was kneading and rolling the dough rhythmically - he found it very therapeutic.  But even more comforting was the presence of his handsome detective - standing there smelling of spice, citrus, and stray dustings of flour.

“Oh yes, Jim - it makes the bird even more tasty, don’t you think?”

“Yeah - I think it goes well on any tasty bird!”  Jim winked suggestively.

“Jim Gordon - you are so saucy!”  Oswald grinned.  “I mean, literally, Jim - get it?  Heh, now don’t roll your eyes at me, James, it was funny - right?  Oh well, anyway, if you really want to get creative with it, Detective Gordon - then who am I to stop you?”

“Yes, Cobblepot, but later….now we really should restrain ourselves.”

Oswald stopped kneading and passed the back of his floury hand across his glowing temples.

“You’re asking me to restrain myself when you wear that sexy apron and make lewd suggestions to me, Detective?”

“You’re asking ME to control myself when your apron says ‘Kiss the Cook?’”  Jim leaned in and smooched Oswald’s cheek.  Oswald giggled and ducked away.   “Jim Gordon, please!”

“Sorry sweetheart.  But I have to obey the rules of the apron - right?”  Jim pecked Oswald again.

“Ah, once a lawman, always a lawman!  I love it when you’re obedient!”  Oswald continued kneading the dough with his left hand whilst half-heartedly fending off Jim’s attentions with his right.

“Love, honour and obey - that’s the wedding vow, right?”  Jim leaned in and nuzzled Oswald’s neck playfully.  Oswald giggled again.

“Hmmmm, but - James, my dear - does that mean I am obliged to obey you, too?”  he looked round at Jim warily and cocked an eyebrow.

“Maybe not,”  Jim replied.  “After all,” he continued thoughtfully,  “if you HAD been obedient, you wouldn’t have come back to Gotham when I told you to stay away.  And then, we wouldn’t be here having so much fun, would we?”  

“Aha - good point, my love, I can’t argue with that!  Well then - in that case,  I shall disobey you as much and as often as I can!  Ha!”  Oswald grinned demonically.

“My contrary Cobblepot….I really like that!”  Jim put down the can of cranberry jelly and slipped his hand inside Oswald’s apron.  Oswald jumped with surprise and moved away, folding his arms stubbornly.

“And how do you like your apple pies, James, because if you like the pastry to be tough as shoe leather and rock hard as a bullet, you are going the right way about getting it!”  he mock-scolded.

Jim put his hands on his hips, lifting his chin defiantly.  “Oh yeah?  And how do you work that out?”

“Because the way you are behaving towards me is making me go all hot and bothered, dear,” Oswald protested, with a flourish, “and hot hands do not make great pastry, as I hope you know, Detective!  I’m going to have to go and put my hands in the fridge if they get much warmer!”  

“Hmmm, ok - so, how about us taking a break then, sweetheart - then the pastry will get to rest, and that’ll do it good, right?”

“Ahhh, hmmmm - well, there, you do have a point!  And - um - how do you propose we fill in, meanwhile?” said Oswald innocently.

A suggestive smile appeared on Jim’s boyish face.  He advanced on Oswald and took him by the arms.  “Well, you did say I could be creative - didn’t you, Mr Cobblepot?”  

“Oh - Jim,” panted Oswald, when Jim had demonstrated just how inventive he could be with a jar of cranberry sauce.  “When I said ‘fill in’, I didn’t expect you to take me so literally!”

[ritacaroline]

In The Light     Jimmy Page Fan Fiction   Part 3

Part 3      A Day’s Work

Takes place    Wednesday, November 30th, 1977

Jill sat next to Jim and John in the waiting room, as the new staff person began to call a waiting patient into the collection room. Finally, she had time to take them to the units in search of an arm sling. First she asked, “Jim ? Do you feel ok to walk awhile ? Since you’ve been through a trauma today ?”

“Yeah, sure,” he said, “I can do it.”

“Ok , but just tell us if you feel light headed or anything, and we’ll take care of you.”

He couldn’t believe how thoughtful she was toward him, and all the other patients as well. It was clear that the special treatment was not just for him, since he was famous.  In fact, it was for everyone she dealt with ! She was treating him as she would anyone else.

 They began to walk through the hallways, and Jimmy was trying to think of something to chat about with her. He asked her the usual questions about where she had studied, how long had she worked there, how did she like working there, and John Paul included some similar type questions also. He was feeling more friendly as the time went by. She made them both feel extremely comfortable, as though they had known her a long time.

 Silence. Jimmy hated that. Couldn’t think of anything. Finally, “Do you like our music ?“  She said, "Sure. I love rock music. My favorite. ”

 He asked, “What’s your favorite song of ours ?”

She said without even having to think about it, “My favorite is "In The Light.”

 "Oh wow !  Not many people point that one out. Interesting. What is it that you like about it ?“ he asked.

"It’s hard to know why, but let me try.” A moment or two passed. Then she continued, “Well….it starts off dark and creepy and intense, then, wow ! It’s like Dorothy opening the door and seeing the Land of Oz in color.”

“Hmmm, I love your interpretation !  Never heard anyone put it in that way before. I like it.” he said thoughtfully.

“Okay, we’re here.” she said. “Do you mind waiting here, out of the way and across the doorway, so privacy is kept in the unit ?”

 "Of course we don’t. We’ll be right here.“ said John Paul.

 Few minutes later, she returned with the sling in hand inside plastic covering.

"Here you are, Jim. This is brand new and sterile for your safety . Germs with be deflected away from you.” She smiled and gave it to him, being a little silly.

“Thank you,” he said.  She replied, “Onto the pharmacy for you now, it’s near here.”

 She asked, “How have you been told to follow up now with this injury ? What did the ER  Dr. say ?”

Jim explained, “He said to come back tomorrow early a.m. to see how it looks then.” Jill nodded, “Good, that’s wise.”

As they walked, he noticed her long gorgeous legs, walking briskly with determination. Her beautiful scent was in his nose, as he enjoyed being next to her. She is a beauty, he thought. Now, how do I make sure to see her again ? he questioned himself.

 "Last stop.“ she said. "This is the pharmacy. Do you have your prescriptions ?” John Paul pulled them from his pocket and handed them to her. She in turn handed them to the pharmacist behind the window. No words were exchanged, but the pharmacist, “Greg” revealed a big smile. She was so cute and friendly, Jimmy thought. No wonder everyone looks glad just to see her. Her pretty sweet eyes with the long lashes. She’s a doll. Her smiling face just makes you feel light and carefree, he thought.

As they stood there, Jim said, “I’ll be coming back tomorrow to the ER, as I’ve mentioned. And, you’ve been so good to us, me I mean, ….I wonder, if I could come see you tomorrow when you’re done with the blood drawing hour ? Maybe we could have a coffee or something and talk.”

 "Uhm… Well, uhh, that’s sweet.  I mean, yeah, that sounds ok I guess.“ she said. Jill was not expecting that. Her heart beat a little faster, looking at his amazingly beautiful face and flowing thick hair. And his beautiful mouth. Would not mind being mouth to mouth with him, not one bit, she thought. But, hey, easy now. Who knows what’s on his mind.

Back to the present, the pharmacist had Jimmy sign for his medication, left handed was all he could do.  The meds were pain pills and antibiotics. As Greg stepped away back into the small room, he gave Jill a sexy wink, and a big smile. She seemed completely unaffected. With that, off the group walked.

 Jim and John Paul told Jill, "Thank you again,” and Jimmy said happily “see you tomorrow. ”

He liked her so well, he leaned in a bit to give her a little hug. However, she didn’t notice his gesture, so she missed out on the little hug. She walked away without any idea what he had attempted, saying, “See ya then.”

 Takes place :  Thursday, December 1st, 1977

 Next day, Jimmy rose early, unlike usual.  He grabbed a hot shower and shaved, as carefully as he could, using his left. No easy task. Got dressed and asked Bonzo this time to give him a ride. Bonzo was not troubled at all driving him to the hospital. The entire group was pretty horrified and sorry for Jimmy, having mangled his hand so badly. They babied him a little for what he had gone through. In fact, they planned a party for Saturday night in his honor due to his poor fortune with the trunk Wednesday, thinking it would cheer him up. Their flight back to the UK had been moved to this upcoming Monday, since all their concert dates were now cancelled. No reason to stay in the US now.

Jimmy and Bonzo got to the ER, and Jimmy was seen by the same Dr. as yesterday. He had his bandages removed and his wound cleaned and cared for. The broken fingers were set more carefully also. It all took awhile but he was glad to be fixed up again and rebandaged. The new bandages looked clean without any blood seeping through.

Once finished, Jim and Bonz walked to the lab waiting room and took a seat.  Jill looked into the waiting room and noticed Jimmy there. She waved them in, directing them into the little rest area. As Jimmy walked past her, he put out his injured arm and ever so lightly, put it about her lower back barely touching her, then leaned in a little putting his face against her hair in a little greeting hug. Not with a hello-kiss intention, as in,“ I hope to get-it-on-with-you-soon” feel, but with an “I like you and we’re friends now” feel.  She noticed it and liked it, but she was extremely used to people hugging her. Even folks she barely knew, because she always treated others with such warmth and caring. People in general just felt naturally comfortable and affectionate toward her.

 Jim and Bonzo sat quietly, in the little rest area waiting for her, as another patient entered the collection room. Jill said to the man, “Hi, I’m Jill. And you are,… Mark ? ”

He said, “Yes. Mark Gartenhaus.” 

"Wait,…I’m Jill Gartenhaus.” she said.

“No ! You’re kidding ! We have the same last name.” he exclaimed. “I have never met anyone with my last name before, except for my relatives of course ! Maybe we’re related ?!”

He went on and on asking her to compare the names of her close family with his families’ names, etc.  But they found none in common.

He continued with, “hey, after I get out of the hospital, maybe we could reconnect and go out someplace together. I’d love to talk with you more. And I’m single. What do you say ?”

Jimmy started feeling uneasy. Is she gonna go out with this jerk, or what ?  He was on the edge of his chair.

 "Oh, Mark, I’m so sorry. That can’t happen, it’s against hospital policy. But I’ll come visit you, in the ward, after your surgery.  Ok ?  I’ll come up to the recovery area and see you that next day.  Is that good ?“ He actually did seem fine with that idea.

Jimmy let out a sigh. He was listening intently. Why did it matter to him ? He was extremely used to asking women out, why was he hesitating here ? In fact, he normally didn’t even need to ask, women were just naturally drawn to him and hanging all over him.

What was the hold up here for him ? He kept the question just at the forefront of his mind.

 The morning shift was now done. She welcomed in the relief staff person, and asked Jimmy and his friend to come into the break room. They followed her closely, as Bonzo took a good look at her from behind and gave Jimmy a nod, as in, very nice, not bad at all. Once in the break room, they all took a seat at a table, Jimmy said, "Oh, Jill, this my other bandmate, John. John Bonham. Plays drums. But he’s usually called ‘Bonzo.’ ”

“Oh, so nice to meet you John. ” she said and took his hand.

He held gently onto her hand and said, “My pleasure, darling. Lovely to meet you as well.”  John realized that Jimmy was aching to be alone with her, he knew his friend so well. "But I’ve got a few things to do, so I need to step out for now.  So Jim, I’ll come meet you a bit later, how about two ? At the front lobby then ?"  said John.                                                             

"Thanks mate,” Jimmy said, as John walked off.  So, there they sat for a moment awkwardly. She noticed his eyes sparkling as he looked at her with a sweet expression. Oh my God, he is glorious. What in this universe would he want with me, she thought. He could have any woman on the planet without even trying.  I’m just a plain tech in the lab. Isn’t he accustomed to flawless models ?  Finally, Jimmy asked her, “Is that really a policy here, you have to follow ? You know, what you told that last patient when he was asking you out ?”

“Well, ….I do say that sometimes, to patients, you know, because I wasn’t interested. I didn’t want him to feel hurt or rejected. It is kind of a loosely kept rule here, that is : no inappropriate dealings with the patients. God forbid ! Right ? However, on a side note, he wasn’t my type anyway.” And shrugged.

 She was just playing with Jimmy a little, gently hinting that she may be available. He gazed down at her hands. And decided to put his hand over hers for a minute.  She didn’t pull away.

He continued, “Really, well then what is your type ?" 

"Well…. I like men with lots of dark hair. In particular, long, wavy hair. Tall slender ones. Do you know any ?” she remarked looking right into his eyes. Without any smile whatsoever.  He looked in her eyes silently as his heart stuttered a little and he swallowed hard. He was taken aback again by her quick wit. She had said it so matter of factly. And a slow smile spread across his face.  As she looked away, her gorgeous eye lashes flitted.

Oh, she so had his attention. And she knew it.

After about 20 minutes of chatting, she said that she had to go now, to collect some blood samples today from a few patients in the wards.

He asked, “Could I go along with you ? You know, kind of like yesterday ?  When we walked through the units.  I don’t want to leave yet.”

“You don’t want to leave yet, you say ?  hmmm.” It was a low regulations type week, as the hospital approached closing day.

“ Well, ok, uhm, you can walk along with me but as we approach a unit or ward, you need to stay in the hallway and stand back. Can you do that ?” she asked.

“Of course I can. Let’s go.” he said. As she rose to begin walking, a little smug smile came over his face secretly. He was getting his way, and smoothly too. He liked it. And he was used to getting his way. It was his favorite.

Next Part 4 :  https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/post/173439037401/in-the-light-jimmy-page-fan 

Chapter Index :

https://ritacaroline.tumblr.com/Fan%20Fiction